Adenosine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

What is an Adenosine MPI stress test and how is it performed?

Adenosine is a medication used to dilate the coronary arteries to allow increased blood flow to the heart. It is used to increase the heart rate instead of walking on  a treadmill. Adenosine causes a feeling of warmth and flushing. A small percentage of people may experience chest discomfort, a feeling of breathlessness, nausea or headache. These side effects will go away quickly once the infusion is complete.

To make an appointment for a Cardiac Diagnostic Test, call
(815) 759.4050.

You lie down for the adenosine MPI stress test. An EKG monitor, blood pressure monitor and an oxygen monitor will be attached to you. Your heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels will also be monitored.

The adenosine is given over  six minutes through a small IV. At  three minutes into the infusion a nuclear medicine technologist will inject a dose of radioactive isotope (imaging material). There are no side effects associated with the imaging material. About 30 minutes after the test you will lay flat on a table and a machine will scan your heart for 15 minutes. This is an open machine and you may breathe and talk normally.

How should I prepare for the Adenosine MPI stress test?

  • Do not eat or drink anything  for six  hours prior to the test.
  • For 24 hours before the test, do not have any caffeine, decaffeinated or chocolate beverages. Do not eat any chocolate. Do not take Excedrin, Anacin, NoDoz, diet pills or any other medicine that contains caffeine. Caffeine interferes with the  adenosine and makes the test invalid. If caffeine is taken the test will have to be repeated or rescheduled.
  • Do not apply lotions or powders to your skin. You may wear underarm deodorant.
  • Do not smoke the day of the test.
  • Arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the test at the Heart Center.
  • Please allow 60 to 90 minutes for the test and imaging. Some patients may have to return  at another date for resting (non-medication) images. This is up to the radiologist. You will be contacted by the nuclear medicine department if this is  necessary.
  • Talk to your doctor or care provider about which of your medications you should take before the exam.

What should I tell the doctor or nurse  before the test?

  • If you have asthma or any breathing problems
  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding
  • If you have any questions or concerns

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Any new or unrelieved  chest  pain
  • Any new or unrelieved problems breathing
  • Any new problems or concerns

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