What is a Cardiac Stress Test (MPI) with Exercise?
A cardiac stress test with Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) is a non-invasive test (no surgery or cutting skin). This test takes four (4) hours and is done in three (3) parts with breaks in between each part. This test looks at blood flow to your heart muscle during stress, like exercise, and at rest. This test helps your doctor diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD). Note: This test used to be called the “Thallium treadmill test.” • If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or are taking theophylline or caffeine-containing drugs, you must talk to your doctor before the test. • For women weighing over 200 pounds or for men weighing over 250 pounds: pictures of your heart are taken on two (2) separate days. You schedule the second appointment on the first day of your test.
