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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Cardiolite stress test - procedure
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Cardiolite stress test - procedure
by Pete-Kocmalski, Apr 24, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Pete Kocmalski on April 24, 1999 at 23:04:48
I have taken several Cardiolite stress tests over the past few years. Firstly, a technician sets up an IV in my arm (or in the hand of some patients). Next, he takes a 'picture' while I stand on the treadmill, presumably a baseline. Then, after say 1/2 hour, a picture is taken lying down while some kind of scanner moves across my chest. After another period of time, I drink a cup of whole milk prior to undergoing the actual stress test on the treadmill. At the beginning of the stress test, a technician injects something in the IV (most likely the radioactive material) and, at the end, another 'picture' is taken while walking.
Some time later, a final 'picture' is taken lying down.
The whole process takes from 5-6 hours. My questions are:
What is the purpose of the milk?
Why all the wait time in between pictures? I understand the need to get a base view and probably another view after recuperatPosted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 25, 1999 at 07:43:45
Dear Pete
The milk is to decrease the uptake of the chemical by the tissues of the digestive system, as opposed to the heart. It can help get clearer pictures.
The testing usually takes a good part of the day. That is because several sets of pictures need to be taken, and sometimes re-taken if the images are suboptimal. This is reflected in the different amount of time that the tests have taken. It is also a matter of scheduling in other patients’ tests.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
