What is a Cardiolite Stress Test and what does it show?
A Cardiolite Stress Test is a diagnostic nuclear imaging study that uses a radioactive tracer, called Cardiolite, to produce images of the heart muscle. When combined with stress either through exercise or use of a pharmacological agent, the Cardiolite scan helps determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs. As Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) progresses, the heart muscle may not receive enough blood when under stress (for example, when exercising). This often results in chest pain called angina pectoris. On the other hand, there may be no outward physical signs of the disease. If CAD is limiting blood flow to part of your heart, the stress test with Cardiolite may be useful in detecting the presence and significance of CAD. A Cardiolite Stress Test consists of two parts, rest and stress: • Cardiolite will be administered by injection through your IV while you are at rest, and a special camera will take pictures of your heart. • Cardiolite will be administered to you
