Stress test with Regadenoson and Cardiolite assesses blood flow to the heart and is used in patients who are unable to exercise
The purpose of this kind of stress test in Plano is to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle at peak stress and again at rest. This test is used in people who are unable to exercise.
In lieu of exercise on a treadmill, the medication Regadenoson is given, which acts to dilate the coronary arteries. Regadenoson is a naturally occurring substance produced by many tissues in your body.
The stress test is given over two separate days.
On one day, you will receive an infusion of Regadenoson and Cardiolite, which is referred to as the stress portion of the test, and on the other day, an infusion of Cardiolite only, which is referred to as the rest portion of the test.
Preparing for your stress test
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Since your blood pressure will be checked periodically during the test, wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse.
- Do not wear boots, jumpsuits, overalls or a dress.
- Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for 24 hours before your stress test. Items with caffeine include sodas, "caffeine-free" sodas, coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, chocolate, Excedrin and certain cold or diet pills.
- Do not eat anything four hours prior to the stress test. If you are diabetic, follow your normal regimen but eat light. You may have juice before the test if needed.
- Please do not smoke or exercise eight hours before testing.
- You should continue to take all medications, unless your cardiologist instructs you to do otherwise.
Preparing for the rest portion of your stress test
- Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for four hours before your resting test. Items with caffeine include sodas, "caffeine-free" sodas, coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, chocolate, Excedrin and certain cold or diet pills.
- Do not eat anything four hours prior to the test. If you are diabetic, follow your normal regimen but eat light. You may have juice before the test if needed.
- Please do not smoke or exercise eight hours before testing.
- If you routinely take any medications take them as prescribed.
What should I bring with me to the appointment?
- Inhalers, if you use them
- List of medications and dosages
- Insurance card
- Referral for the stress test if required by your insurance company
Where to go for your stress test appointment
The test will be performed at:
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center
6601 Preston Rd
Plano, TX 75024
469.800.6300
It is very important that you keep your appointment once it is scheduled. If you must cancel your stress test appointment, please give the office at least 24 hours notice by calling 469.800.6300.
Our stress test schedule requires tight time restrictions, so please notify the office immediately if you will be late for your appointment. We appreciate your complete cooperation.
What to expect
Before the stress portion of the heart test, a small intravenous (IV) line will be started in a vein in your arm. The IV will allow us to inject the Regadenoson and Cardiolite into the bloodstream at the appropriate time. A blood pressure cuff will be placed around your other arm to monitor your blood pressure during the test. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your electrocardiogram throughout the test.
Regadenoson and Cardiolite will be injected while we monitor your blood pressure and electrocardiogram.
Afterwards, we will ask you to eat a "fatty" meal to help clear any medication from your stomach and colon as this would interfere with the imaging.
Approximately one hour later the pictures will be taken with a special camera.
You will lie on your back with your arms above your head while the camera takes pictures of the blood flow to your heart from many different angles. The pictures are stored in digital form on a special computer.
On a separate day, the resting portion of the exam will be performed.
Cardiolite will be injected directly into a vein while you are at rest. After you have been injected, you will need to eat a fatty meal.
Approximately one hour later, a set of pictures of the blood flow to your heart will be recorded.
After you leave the laboratory we will perform special computer processing of both sets of pictures to compare the blood flow pattern to your heart at stress and at rest.
Who will give me the results?
After a review of the test, your medical history, other imaging modalities and previous tests by a Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center cardiologist in Plano, a report will be sent to the ordering physician.
The ordering physician will then review the results and discuss them with you.