How is a Persantine Sestamibi Stress Test performed?
When you arrive for a Persantine Sestamibi Stress Test, you will be taken to the Stress Lab. You will then be asked to undress and put on a gown. An IV will be started, and you will be placed on a heart and blood pressure monitor. During the test, a medication called Persantine is given to you through your IV to expand your coronary arteries (similar to what would happen during exercise). Arteries that have become narrowed or blocked will not be able to expand as much as normal, healthy arteries. A Nuclear tracer called Sestamibi will be injected through the IV several minutes after the Persantine. Sestamibi contains a very small amount of radioactivity that can be detected by the special camera used to take images of the heart. Arteries that are narrowed or blocked and did not respond to the Persantine will not allow the Sestamibi to flow freely, and by studying the images, the Cardiologist will be able to see which areas of the heart may not be getting sufficient blood and oxygen sup
