Cardiolite Stress Test

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Consult a physician before beginning exercise program. We often see or hear these words, yet most of us tend to ignore them thinking we know our bodies well enough to do any physical activity. However, seeing a doctor prior to exercise and perhaps taking a stress test can be vital to our well-being, especially as we age.

With the guidance of Dr. Kelly Spratt, Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health at Presbyterian Medical Center, Suzanne takes a Cardiolite Stress Test to determine if she has any blocked vessels in her heart, and what she needs to do if the answer is yes.

Why Consult Your Physician?

It’s important to identify any physical problems that may arise during exercise before you go to the gym, sign up for a yoga class, or start walking with your neighbor. You may think that going out for a jog is harmless and at the same time have absolutely no idea that your blood pressure is too high or that your arteries are partially blocked.

A stress test can detect what happens to your heart when you physically overexert yourself. This allows the doctor to evaluate your health and have the ability to recommend a specific exercise program made to fit your physical condition and needs.

Stress Test Versus Cardiolite Stress Test

A regular stress test involves walking slowly on a treadmill and gradually increasing speed. The doctor looks for any changes in the EKG, or electrocardiogram, which is an electrical recording of the heart used in the investigation of coronary heart disease.

A Cardiolite Stress Test is a bit more advanced because it adds a nuclear imaging agent to the EKG reading. According to Dr. Spratt, this nuclear material, which is injected by means of IV, gives the doctor a picture of the heart both at rest and during exercise; it has the ability to do this since the nuclear material travels with the blood flow.

This advanced stress test has the advantage of detecting any additional stress on the patient’s heart, specifically the arteries, while exercising. It can also help the doctor determine what the patient’s target heart rate should be, how he/she should reduce stress and what goals the patient should set for a healthier life.

What Did Suzanne Do?

To take the Cardiolite Stress Test, Suzanne had to fast 12am the night before. Once she arrived at the hospital and checked in, Suzanne was ready to get started.

First she was given an IV used to inject the nuclear material throughout her body. An hour later, images were taken of Suzanne’s heart while at rest. Then she got on the treadmill and her EKG was monitored.

As dictated by Dr. Spratt, Suzanne gradually increased her speed and was pushed to the limit. While on the treadmill, she was given another injection of the nuclear material. Then another set of pictures was taken of her heart, now at peak exertion. Soon after, Suzanne got the results of her Cardiolite Stress Test, comparing the two sets of images.

So what did the doctor say? Fortunately, Suzanne has no major blockage in any of her arteries. However, Dr. Spratt advised that Suzanne work on lowering her blood pressure and begin exercising a bit more each day.