Nuclear stress test

Cardiology Associates of Fredericksburg, Ltd.
Ordering Physician: ______________________ 540-373-1331
Date/Time: _____________________________ www.fredcardio.com

If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please call the office by 3:00 p.m. the day
prior to your test. Missing a scheduled stress test may result in a $150 charge, which is not billable to
insurance. This charge is to cover the cost of the isotope that was ordered specifically for you.
Your doctor has asked for a stress test in order to get more accurate and complete information about how your heart is functioning. A stress test consists of taking pictures of your heart with a special camera in two phases: while resting and after stress. You will be injected with a radioactive isotope through an IV during each phase. In order to stress your heart, you will exercise on a treadmill. If you are unable to exercise, you may be given a drug, by injection, intended to have a similar effect on the heart to that of exercise. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY TO AVOID BEING RESCHEDULED.
INFORM YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF YOU COULD BE PREGNANT,
HAVE SYMPTOMS OF CLAUSTROPHOBIA, OR ARE UNABLE TO LIE FLAT.
48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR TEST
NO Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Revatio
NO Aggrenox, Persantine, or Theophylline.
24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR TEST
NO Beta-blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, Toprol XL, Lopressor, Coreg, carvedilol, Bystolic, bisoprolol (UNLESS
otherwise directed by your physician). CONTACT us if you have questions regarding medications.
12 HOURS BEFORE YOUR TEST
DO NOT smoke or use any nicotine products.
NO coffee or tea of any kind.
NO decaffeinated coffee or tea of any kind.
NO colas or soft drinks, including those labeled caffeine free.
NO chocolate (candy, cakes, pies, cocoa, white chocolate, etc.).
NO Anacin, Excedrin or other drugs containing caffeine.
DIABETICS if you take insulin at bedtime, only take half of your usual dose.
THE DAY OF YOUR TEST
DO NOT have anything to eat for 4 hours prior to your test.
DO have water, juice or lemonade to ensure that you are well hydrated.
DO take your medications as usual, EXCEPT those listed above, UNLESS otherwise directed by your physician.
DO NOT take any oral diabetic medications, insulin, or water pills (diuretics) until after your test.
BRING ALL MEDICATIONS with you in their original containers, INCLUDING INHALERS. We may instruct you to
take certain medications before, during, or after your test.
WEAR a comfortable loose fitting two-piece outfit. Avoid dresses, jumpsuits, or clothing with metallic buttons. (NOTE:
Exam area tends to be cold. Ladies will remove their bras for testing.)
WEAR enclosed shoes appropriate for WALKING. No slip-ons, sandals, house shoes, or dress shoes.

ARRIVE 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
ALLOW at least 4 hours to complete the test. Please bring something to help pass the time. You must remain in the
building until all testing is complete.
RESULTS will be communicated to you by your physician who ordered the test.

Source: http://www.fredcardio.com/files/caf-nuclear-stress-test-instructions.pdf