As you prepare for your diagnostic test at Cardiovascular Associates, the following are the most frequently asked questions pertaining to each test. Please take a few moments to review the questions and answers that apply to the test you will be taking in order to make your visit to our offices go as smoothly as possible.

Thank you!

Where will the test take place and how long will it last?
The test will take place in our office, and should take approximately 2 1/2 hours.

How soon prior to my test should I arrive?
Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your test time.

What should I wear the day of the test?
Wear a two-piece outfit and comfortable shoes for exercise.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a list of your medications, a referral or the prescription from your primary care physician or physician who is ordering the test.

Can I eat or drink anything the day of the test?
Please eat a light meal at least one hour prior to your scheduled test.

Can I have my morning coffee or cigarettes that day?
No. We do not want you to have any caffeine or nicotine the day of the test. This includes chocolate, decaf coffee, colas and teas.

Who will be supervising my test?
You will be supervised by an RN or an Advanced Practice Nurse/Nurse Practioner who has in-depth training in cardiovascular testing. Our Physicians are always available and present throughout the diagnostic lab.

Should I take my medicine that day?
The following are medications may need to hold the day of the test:

• Calcium channel-blockers
• Bronchodilators/albuterol
• Nitrates
• Beta-blockers
• Anacin and Excedrin
• Persantine Dipyridamole
• Aggrenox
• Theophyilline or Theophylline containing products.

Aspirin products that contain caffeine such as:

Aggrenox must be held for 24 hours. If you are unsure if your medications fit into one of these categories please call our office and speak to a nurse.

What will happen to me during this Stress Test?
After you check in with the secretary, you will be brought back to the prep room. An IV will be started and the electrode patches will be placed on your skin. You will then be injected with a radioactive tracer after which you will wait approximately 30-45 minutes in the waiting area. We will then have you lie on a table where a camera will take pictures of your heart for about 20 minutes.

What happens after the camera takes my pictures?
You will then be brought to another room where you will be hooked up to an EKG machine.

Do I have to walk on the Treadmill?
You may have to, but if you do it will be for 6 minutes at a very low speed. After the first 3 minutes you will be injected with a tracer. You will then continue to walk for the last 3 minutes. During the entire 6 minutes you will have a continuous infusion of adenosine running IV. When the 6 minutes on the treadmill are done, the IV infusion of adenosine will be stopped.

After the 6 minutes are over we will monitor your EKG and blood pressure. We will then have you wait in the waiting area for 30-45 minutes. After that time we will have you lie under the camera one more time to take more pictures of your heart.

Are there any possible side effects associated with the adenosine infusion?
You may experience some shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, flushing, light-headedness and nausea or you may not experience any side effects at all. If you do experience any of these symptoms, they usually go away as soon as the infusion is stopped.

What if I experience chest pain or dizziness or any symptoms?
Let the nurse or technician know immediately.

Do I follow any special instructions when I get home?
No. Just remember to drink water after you exercise.

When do I get the results?
The doctor that ordered the test or their nurse should call you within 3-5 days. If you do not receive your results after this time, please call the doctor who ordered the test.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call and speak to the testing nurse.

What does this test evaluate?