My doctor has scheduled me for a heart test called a "Cardiolytes Test". Can anyone tell me what this is ?
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A Cardiolite Test is a stress test with a Cardiolite injection. This test is a way to determine if your heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs. The test also helps find out how well your heart is working. To perform the test, a small amount of Cardiolite is injected into your blood. A special camera is then able to take pictures of your heart. Although Cardiolite is a radioactive material, it is safely cleared from your body by natural processes.
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What should I do before the test?
• Talk to your doctor first about anything you must do to prepare for your test, or any restrictions in diet, medication, or activities prior to your test.
• You may be asked not to eat or drink several hours prior to the test. This will prevent the possibility of an upset stomach, or nausea, which may accompany vigorous exercise after eating.
• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain heart medicines prior to the stress exam. Some heart medicines may interfere with the accuracy and effectiveness of the exam.
• If you will be exercising for the stress exam, you should wear comfortable footwear for brisk exercise on a treadmill (a moving platform you walk on) or stationary bicycle. You will work hard during the test and comfortable clothing will make it easier for you. Slacks or shorts are preferred for the exercise portion of the exam. A hospital gown may be provided on the day of the test.
• Prior to the stress test with Cardiolite®, you may be asked to sign a consent form. Please read the form carefully. If you have any questions about the procedure, ask the doctor supervising the test. He or she can explain the entire procedure before it begins.
What will happen to me during the test?
Several small pads called electrodes will be placed on your chest. These pads will be connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor so that your heart rhythm can be watched closely throughout the stress portion of the test. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm. This line will be used to inject Cardiolite® into your bloodstream during stress activity. The IV line will be removed soon after the test is completed.
Exercise stress activity
If your doctor has specified an exercise test, you will begin by walking on a treadmill or by pedaling a stationary bicycle. If you walk on a treadmill, it will move very slowly at first, then increase in speed. If you pedal a stationary bicycle, it will feel easy to pedal at first, then gradually get harder. As you exercise longer and harder, your heart rate and blood pressure will rise. This is normal, and they will be monitored along with your ECG.
You will be asked to exercise during the entire stress exam. Expect to exercise to your maximum ability, which may take 10 minutes or more. If you experience any unusual symptoms at any time, such as feeling lightheaded, immediately tell the doctor performing the test. Adjustments will be made to the exercise test, depending on your symptoms, blood pressure, ECG, or degree of fatigue. To increase the effectiveness of the test, it is important to exercise as long as you are able.
Cardiolite will be injected through the IV line approximately 1 minute before the end of exercise. It is immediately carried to the heart by the blood. About one-half to 1 1/2 hours later, a special camera that can detect radiation will take pictures of your heart. The camera will be placed close to your chest while you are lying flat on the imaging table, or sitting in a special chair.
Pharmacologic stress activity
If you are unable to exercise for the test, your doctor may decide to use a drug, or pharmacologic stress agent. Such drugs are given via an IV line and simulate the effects of exercise. This increases the flow of blood to the heart. Even though you are undergoing stress by pharmacologic means, the doctor may ask you to perform low-level exercise such as using a handgrip, walking in place, or some other small movement. These simple actions will make the stress caused by the drug more comfortable. It may also reduce any side effects. If you have any strange feelings, be sure to mention them to the testing doctor during the test. Once you receive the drug that causes stress, Cardiolite will be injected and pictures will be taken with the special camera. The camera will be placed close to your chest while you are lying flat on the imaging table, or sitting in a special chair.
Resting portion of the test
For the resting portion of the test, an ECG may not be needed. Cardiolite® will be injected and, about one-half to 1 1/2 hours later, the camera operator will begin taking pictures of your heart. The camera will be placed close to your chest while you are lying flat on the imaging table, or sitting in a special chair.
During the test, the camera will take pictures at various angles. It will take 15-30 minutes to complete the imaging portion of the exam. It is important for you to remain very still while the pictures are being taken.
The doctor will discuss the results with your own doctor and submit a written report. Your doctor will then explain the test results to you. If your scan is normal, your doctor may ask you to continue any diet or activity that keeps you healthy. Medical research has shown that patients with a normal Cardiolite
stress scan have greater than 99% likelihood of not suffering or dying from a heart attack within the next year. However, your doctor may still ask you to change some of your diet or activities to ensure that you avoid further risk. If your scan is not normal, your doctor will discuss the best treatment options with you, as well as any changes you may need to make.
Special information for women
More attention is being given to heart disease in women. This is very important because women do not always respond to tests and procedures in the same way as men. Sometimes, tests that work well for men do not produce useful results for women. Fortunately, there are many methods being used to detect heart disease in women. And, of course, some of these methods work better than others.
Cardiac imaging in women
Because the special camera is outside of your body and must "see through" your chest, there is a possibility for your left breast to cast "shadows" or artifacts over the heart. If you have breast implants, be sure to inform your doctor, as these may also cause artifacts. Artifacts distort the actual look of the heart and increase the potential for a false positive diagnosis. A false-positive test indicates that you have disease when none is actually present.
False-positive results may be reduced by using Cardiolite ensuring that the images obtained will provide a clear and accurate picture of your heart. More accurate information allows your own doctor to make reliable decisions about your health
Other Answers:
Your doctor sucks!
A good, even mediocre physician will tell you all about your test, show you the equipment and even let you know if you should fast.
Get a new doctor, this test is probably expensive and unnessasary and medicare will more than likely not cover it.
I had to have that done. It is a test where they inject fluid in your veins and you have to walk on a treadmill and they test your arteries to see if they aren't clogged. It is a simple procedure. Just wear sweats because they will give you a workout as much as you can handle. God Bless! It is a stress test where the inject dyes into your system .It will show the working of your heart .The dye shows up on the sonogram and they do this in two stages. One while you are at rest and the other while you are on a treadmill. And yes you will need to fast.
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