Chemical Stress Test Part 2
Oct 22st 2003 11:00 am
The 2nd part of the test is to get my heart rate elevated as I was unable to complete the treadmill test.
How is a Chemical Stress Test performed?
The imaging portion of the test is identical to that used during Stress Echocardiography or Isotope Stress Testing (depending upon the technique employed) and is performed either in a cardiologists office, a satellite lab or the hospital. An intravenous line is started in the arm, the blood pressure is checked and an EKG recorded. The EKG is also constantly monitored on the screen. If Stress Echo is being performed, an echocardiogram is obtained before and immediately after administration of the stress producing medication. In cases of stress isotope testing, the resting images may be obtained before or approximately two hours after the stress (depending upon the lab and the employed isotope). The stress-producing medication is given intravenously, as per protocol. In cases of dobutamine, drug is given as a continuous drip with a gradual increase in the rate (at three minute intervals). The patient’s heart rate accelerates and the isotope is given when 85% of the target heart rate is achieved. In cases of dipyridamole, the medication is usually given over four minutes, through the IV line. A drop in the diastolic (lower number) blood pressure is generally awaited before administration of the isotope.If a patient is able to perform mild exercise, he or she may be asked you to walk on a treadmill for a minute or so after the injection of dipyridamole.
This procedure was very easy on my part as all I had to do was lay still while the drip flowed and the EKG recorded my heart beat.
After this was done I left the hospital to go eat a fatty meal, and come back at 1:00 pm to have the 3rd part of the test completed.
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