. The doctor will tell you to lie on a table with your arms over your head.
Your doctor will scan an image of your heart using a special camera for the second time. This may take 20 to 25 minutes. Again, the tracer helps the doctor see how well your heart is working.More pictures will be taken later on. This may be 3 to 3 ‚ ½ hours after the exercise test or the next day. It will depend on the kind of tracer your doctor used.The test may take 3 to 5 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may rest on a comfortable chair after the procedure. Your doctor will check the pictures to see if more images are needed. Sometimes, more pictures are needed for better viewing of certain areas.
- The doctor may order drugs that help with anxiety, dizziness, or shortness of breath, especially if you were not able to exercise and were given a drug to make your heart beat faster.
- You will have the I.V. removed unless you are scheduled for more tests that same day.
- You can go home right after the test.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You can go back to your normal activities after the test.
- You can wash the stickiness from the patches off your skin with soap and water.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This helps to flush the tracer out of your system.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Ask your doctor when you can get the results. Talk about the results with your doctor. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Ask your doctor when you can get the results. Talk about the results with your doctor. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- You doctor will tell you if you need other tests.
What problems could happen?
- Allergic reaction
- Low blood pressure
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Heart attack
- Flushing
- Trouble breathing
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Cold sweats
- Weakness
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
- You have any concerns about your condition
Where can I learn more?
RadiologyInfo.com ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cardinuclear ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚