Sestamibi Stress Test

I am scheduled to have a sestamibi stress test October 9.  The test has been ordered due to fainting, chest pain and tachycardia.  I am not familiar with this type of stress test at all and was hoping you could answer some of my questions.

1) What is the difference between this type of test and a thallium stress test?

2) Is this type of test more accurate than the other types?

3) I have asthma -- is the sestamibi likely to cause an attack?

4) How safe is the sestamibi -- is it likely to cause chest pain, etc.

5) On the instructions that I received, it said the test takes
5-6 hours -- why so long compared to a regular stress test?

6) Will there be any restrictions on me after the test (assuming that all is ok with the test) -- I mean any restrictions based on the sestamibi?

Thank you for any help you can give me.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

1. From your perspective, these tests are the same thing. There are some technical differences.
2. Ths test is more accurate than a plain old treadmill exercise test, because pictures of the heart are obtained.
3. The sestamibi will not interfere with asthma. If you have bad asthma, a chemical stess test that uses persantine can cause the asthma to flare up during the test.
4. Two sets of pictures need to be shot.
5. Only if it uncovers severe coronary artery disease, then there may be restrictions on your level of activity.