Drug Induced Stress Test with Dobutamine and Nuclear Imaging

This test evaluates the blood flow to your heart while evaluating the heart’s response to exercise even though you are not actually exercising. Since you may be physically unable to exercise to increase your heart rate, you will be given the drug Dobutamine. It
causes the heart to gradually beat faster and stronger to simulate exercise. Then, a tracer (small amount of radioactive material) is given to you through a vein in your arm. A camera scans the tracer as it flows through your heart. Areas of the heart muscle that have good blood flow pick up the tracer material quickly, while areas that have less blood flow do not.

The test will take approximately three to four hours.

Preparation

To ensure accurate test results, follow all instructions given by your doctor, including:

1. Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for six (6) hours prior to
   the test. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor what you may eat before the test.
2. Do not eat or drink caffeine for 36 hours prior to the test. See the list on the back of this brochure for the most common foods and products that contain significant amounts of caffeine.
3. Bring a written list of the prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking. We’ve provided a space in this brochure to list them. Copy the names of each medication exactly as seen on the bottle or package. Include over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies.
4. Wear comfortable clothing.
5. You may drive yourself and arrive unaccompanied for the test.

What happens during the test?

A cardiologist will be present to monitor your test. You will be asked to replace your shirt or blouse with a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) will be started to administer the Dobutamine and tracer material. Electrocardiogram (EKG) wires will be taped to areas of your chest to record your heart rate. The tracer material will first be administered while your heart is at a resting heart rate and followed by camera image scans.

The second injection of the tracer material and camera image scans are done after Dobutamine is administered to increase the heart rate.

When the test is complete

The cardiologist will study and interpret the images, and will report them to your doctor.

You may go back to your normal diet and activities unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Test results

Your primary doctor’s office will be given the test results and contact you. If you do not hear from them within two (2) business days, please contact them directly.