stress test with Cardiolite

[cynthiaG]

I'm having an MRI and stress test w/Cardiolite on Tuesday at NEMC. I know I'll be in good hands, but am getting a little nervous since it's in a couple of days....any risks with Cardiolite? I know that it says it is a "radioactive tracer" they use for picture taking...getting nervous about the stress test itself also. Had one about 8 yrs. ago at another hospital in Boston but do not remember them placing an IV with this...just getting on the treadmill

[Sarah]

Re: stress test with Cardiolite

C

It is just a more advanced stress test that will tell them a lot more aobut your heart function. They do them all the time and know how to "eject" the cardiolite if you have any problems. They are quite safe, however.

You can always grill them while you are there, too!

Let us know how it goes and good luck.

[dughr]

Re: stress test with Cardiolite

Sarah,

What more can it tell you? I would like to know more on this.
Doug

[Reenie]

Re: stress test with Cardiolite

Doug, one thing it can tell you that a regular stress test can't is how well the oxygen permeates the heart muscle. The radioactive material is in the blood, so it leaves markers in the muscle as it flows through. Then they do a series of pictures before and after the stress test to see how well the blood goes through the muscle during the exercise. *I sure hope I'm explaining that right. I've only watched this once.* Anyone else want to chime in here???

Reenie

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: stress test with Cardiolite

Reenie gets 10 pts for her answer!
Your in good hands with NEMC... I know the concept of this test is not pleasant...but there must be something that they are looking for that they feel this test will help them see better.
Be well,
Lisa