nucular scan test ?

hubby due to have this test on friday well part 1 on frday and second part on monday has any one had this test and is it safe to have with a pm and merchanical mitral valve ,thank you for any advice

3 Comments

yes

by Tracey_E - 2009-12-05 09:12:46

They're very common around here. It's a chemical that makes our body think we're working out so they can see what our hearts do under exertion.

MRI's are the tests we cannot have. Magnets are dangerous for us.

Stress Test

by SMITTY - 2009-12-06 01:12:16

Hello Bullseye,

I have had this test probably a half-dozen times and while there are other medications used for this test all of mine have been with dipyridamole. Below is a good description of my experiences with this test. Please read that portion about how your hubby will feel during the test, if dipyridamole is used as this caught me off guard my first time.

The dipyridamole stress test involves injecting a medication called dipyridamole (Persantine) while you are closely monitored. The medication causes changes in the blood flow in your heart, similar to when you exercise. The test is used when you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationary cycle. The test is also used to:

During the first part of your test, a nuclear medicine technologist will place an IV into a vein in your arm or hand and inject a small amount of thallium. Thallium is a +radioactive tracer -- it is not a dye. It will be necessary for you to wait approximately 30 minutes after the thallium injection to allow it to circulate.

You will then be asked to lie very still under a camera with your arms over your head for about 20 minutes. The camera will record images that show the physician how efficiently blood is circulated through the coronary arteries to each area of the heart muscle at rest.

During the next part of your test, a stress lab technician will gently rub ten small areas on your chest and place electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electro-cardiograph (EKG) monitor that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.

You will lie on an exam table while the technician performs a resting EKG and takes your blood pressure. Next, dipyridamole medication is injected into the IV over four minutes. Then a small amount of sestamibi (a different kind of radioactive tracer) will be injected into the IV. Your heart rate, EKG and blood pressure will be monitored for about 15 minutes after the start of the dipyridamole injection.

At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask you how you're feeling. Please tell them if you feel pain or discomfort in your chest, arm or jaw or if you feel short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded or if you have any other unusual symptoms.

The lab personnel will watch for any changes on the EKG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.
When the dipyridamole portion of the test is completed, you will be given something to counter acting the side effects of the dipyridamole and then your IV will be taken out. It is always surprising to me how fast (less than 3 minutes) the counter acting med will take effect.

How will I feel during the test?
The dipyridamole may sting as it goes into the IV and it may cause a warm, flushing feeling. In some cases, it may cause a headache or nausea. If you begin to notice these symptoms or other symptoms of concern such as chest discomfort or excessive shortness of breath, tell the stress lab personnel immediately.

How long does the test take?
The appointment will take about 3 to 4 hours. The first part of the appointment will take about 1 1/2 hours. The second part of the appointment will take about 2 1/2 hours.

I wish him the best,

Smitty


thank you

by bullseye - 2009-12-06 02:12:07

thank you smitty youve explained it well he is having this done as he only managed a miniute on the treadmill before feeling out of breath and faint he also is experancing some cheast pains witch they have gave him a spray for so thayare cheaking for any blockages ,fingers crossed all will be fine he has been through so much the last 18 months thanx again all have a lovley christmas and wish you all the best for the new year my pm advisers

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