How is a Nuclear Cardiology (Sestamibi) study performed?
The examination is performed in two parts: • Exercise or Stress Test – An IV (intravenous) is placed in your arm and ECG leads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate. You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill to elevate your heart rate to a specified target. At this point a small amount of radioactive material will be injected into the IV. After a 30-60 minute wait you will be asked to lie down on the examination table where the camera will rotate around your body and take several pictures of your heart. NOTE: If you are unable to walk on the treadmill you may be given a drug instead which simulates exercise • Rest Test – This part will be performed a few days or hours after the exercise test and may require another injection of the same radioactive material. You may leave upon completion of the test. There should be no change to your daily activity. The radioactive material will mostly be eliminated from your body in your urine or stool. The remainder disappears t
