Cardiac Studies

A cardiac (heart) study is conducted to evaluate the blood supply to the heart muscle. The heart receives blood from the coronary arteries. If these arteries become blocked or clogged by plaque, the heart may not receive adequate blood supply. As a result, a person may experience chest pain, while others may not experience any symptoms related to the condition.  Whether or not symptoms are present, the results are the same—damage to the heart muscle.  

• What should I wear the day of the exam?
  You should wear a comfortable two-piece outfit. You will probably be asked to replace the top portion of clothing with a hospital gown.  If you are able to exercise on the treadmill, you will need to wear comfortable walking shoes.
  
• What if I cannot walk on the treadmill?
  If you have a physical disability that prevents you from exercising on the treadmill, your doctor will order a medication for you that is an alternative to exercise. This is called Persantine, Adenosine, Dobutamine or Arbutamine. Persantine is the most common agent. There are some risks and side effects to using these agents. It will be described to you in detail the day of the exam and you will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you understand the side effects and risks of the medications. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, headache or chest pain. If you experience any of these during the procedure, please let the cardiologist know so that he/she can administer a drug that will reverse the effect of the medication.
  
• What can I expect from the test?
  Several small sticky pads will be placed on your chest and lines will be connected to them to monitor your heart rhythm (EKG). An intravenous line will be placed in your arm to provide a way to inject the different agents used during the exam. You will then exercise on the treadmill or be given the medication as an alternative. Then, imaging will begin. The image portion will take about 20 minutes. Your IV line will be left in place and you will return 3-4 hours later for another injection and scan.
  
• How will I prepare for the test?
  You will be asked to not eat or drink anything 3-4 hours before the test. This is to prevent nausea, which may accompany vigorous exercise. Your doctor also may temporarily stop certain heart medications prior to the test. Some heart medications may alter the accuracy of the exam.
  
• What medications should be stopped prior to the test?
  Never stop a medication without permission from you doctor. If you are able to exercise on the treadmill during the test, you should stop any antiarrythmic (irregular heart beat) medicine after midnight the night before. This includes Atenylol or Tenormin. This medicine keeps the heart from reaching the target heart rate on the treadmill. If you are not able to exercise on the treadmill, the list of medications to stop is more extensive: no food or beverages containing caffeine after midnight should be taken. No Anacin, Excedrin, No Doz, Wigraine (all contain caffeine). Don't take any of these medicines after midnight. Breathing medicines for asthma or chronic breathing problems, such as theophylline or aminophylline should not be taken 36-48 hours prior to the test. List of theophylline medications are: Aerolate, Bronkodyl, Constant T, Elixophylline SR Quibron, Respbid, Slo Bid, Slo Phyllin, Sustaire, Theo 24, TheoDur, Theobid, Theochron, Theoclear, Theolair, Theospan, Theovent, Uniphy.

Please contact your doctor if you are unable to discontinue breathing medications for this amount of time.

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