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Exercise Myocardial Perfusion TestThis test is quite similar to an exercise ECG stress test, but additional information is obtained by acquiring pictures which represent blood flow to the heart muscle.Prior to treadmill exercise, a small intravenous tube (IV) is inserted into a vein. The patient then receives an injection of a tracer which travels in the blood and is taken up by the heart muscle. Images of the heart muscle are taken prior to exercise to obtain pictures which represent blood flow to the heart muscle at rest. In order to obtain the images the patient lies under a gamma camera for 20 minutes. The patient will then exercise on a treadmill. Near peak exercise a second injection of the tracer is given through the IV. After exercise a second set of images are obtained which represent blood flow to the heart muscle at or near peak exercise. In order to obtain the images the patient lies under a gamma camera a second time for another 20 minutes. All aspects of the test may be performed typically over a 2-3 hour period in one day, or if more convenient for the patient, the test can be performed over a two day period in two 1-2 hour sessions. In order to get diagnostic images, some patients may be asked to have the test done over a two day period. The test involves exposure to radiation from the tracer (Technicium-99), and the amount of radiation is comparable to that from an abdominal CAT scan. This amount of radiation exposure is considered both reasonably safe and within acceptable limits. Women who are or may be pregnant should inform their physicians and the stress test personnel prior to the test.
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