WHAT IS A CARDIAC NUCLEAR PERSANTINE EXERCISE STRESS TEST?
This test uses a radioactive material (isotope) that is injected into the bloodstream and allows the Nuclear Medicine technologist to take pictures of your heart. For patients who are unable to exercise, the nuclear imaging material may be combined with a medication called Persantine. The test will produce images/pictures that will help your doctor to determine if there is an area of your heart that is not receiving enough blood. The nuclear imaging material is not a “dye.” It is widely used and has been shown to be safe. HOW DOES THE PERSANTINE WORK ON THE HEART? The Persantine is injected into an intravenous (IV) line and produces a slight widening of the arteries. Arteries that are healthy will respond more to the Persantine than arteries that are diseased. The scan done following the infusion will show the areas of the heart that are supplied by healthy arteries and those with blockages or areas of possible disease. WHAT WILL THE PICTURES SHOW? After the injection, the nuclear imag
