Cardiolite stress test

  I had a cardiolite stress test done this morning.  When I got home from
  work this afternoon there was a message stating that they wanted me back
  for the rest portion of the test. I left the hospital under the impression
  that if I did not get a call back, I could assume the results were
  negative.  Does the fact that I have been called back indicate that
  something showed up or is it typical to be called back?  Thanks, Bob

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Bob, thank you for your question.  I suspect that this was the normal procedure for the stress test, and not necessarily that you had an abnormal result on the test.  With a cardiolyte stress test, blood flow to the heart is evaluated during peak exercise on the treadmill and then is compared to blood flow to the heart at rest.  The stress images and rest images are compared to determine if a blockage in a coronary artery causes a reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle during periods of increased stress on the heart (exercise).  Normally, these images are obtained 2-3 hours apart.  Thus, I suggest that you speak with your physician regarding the results of your stress test to get an accurate report.  

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.