NTG Administration Prior To And During Adenosine Stress Test

[Kamalamalama]

Dear Sirs: I recently had Adenosine Stress Test. I was treated with NTG patch 1 inch approx. 30 hours preprocedure and patch remained on during entire Stress Test. Could the concomitant use of the NTG paste during an Adenosine Stress Test affect the test results? Please Advise.

Thankyou, Kamalamalama

[Cleveland Clinic]

Kamalamalama,



The use of any anti anginal medication can effect the outcome of a test. Nitrates can cause the arteries to dilate, adenosine does the same.  It would be important to make sure that the medication (ie...nitrates) would be incorporated into your final medical regimen.  



With pharmacologic stress, it is important to make sure the agent that is used works to induce the stress. Adenosine causes the arteries to dilate; caffeine and other caffeine mimetics can cause the adenosine not to work effectively. This is why we ask patients to abstain from these agents prior to the test.



good luck