Dobutamine Cardiolite Stress Test

Before the stress portion of the heart dobutamine Cardiolite stress test, a small intravenous (IV) line will be started in a vein in your arm. The IV will allow us to inject the dobutamine and Cardiolite into the bloodstream at the appropriate time. A blood pressure cuff will be placed around your other arm to monitor your blood pressure periodically during the test. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your electrocardiogram throughout the test.

A special pump will be used to infuse dobutamine into your bloodstream for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. When the heart rate reaches approximately 85% of the maximum heart rate for your age, a small amount of a radioactive tracer called Cardiolite will be injected into the same IV line. The Cardiolite will “mark” the blood flow pattern to the heart. After completion of the dobutamine infusion, we will continue to monitor your blood and electrocardiogram for a few minutes. The IV line and the electrodes will then be removed and you will need to eat a fatty meal. The fatty meal helps clear out activity in the stomach and colon.

Approximately one hour later the pictures will be taken with a special camera where you will lie on your back with your arms above your head while the camera takes pictures of the blood flow to your heart from many different angles of your chest. The pictures are stored in digital form on a special computer.

On a separate day, the resting portion of the exam will be performed. Cardiolite will be injected directly into a vein while you are at rest. After you have been injected, you will need to eat a fatty meal. Approximately one hour later, a set of pictures of the blood flow to your heart will be recorded. After you leave the laboratory we will perform special computer processing of both sets of pictures to compare the blood flow pattern to your heart at stress and at rest.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Since your blood pressure will be checked periodically during the test, wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse.
• Do not wear boots, jumpsuits, overalls, or a dress.
• Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for 24 hours before your stress test. Items with caffeine include sodas, "caffeine-free" sodas, coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, chocolate, Excedrin and certain cold or diet pills.
• Do not eat anything four hours prior to the stress test. If you are diabetic, follow your normal regimen but eat light. You may have juice before the test if needed.
• Please do not smoke or exercise eight hours before testing.
• You should continue to take all medications, unless your cardiologist instructs you to do otherwise.

• Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for four hours before your resting test. Items with caffeine include sodas, "caffeine-free" sodas, coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, chocolate, Excedrin and certain cold or diet pills.
• Do not eat anything four hours prior to the test. If you are diabetic, follow your normal regimen but eat light. You may have juice before the test if needed.
• Please do not smoke or exercise eight hours before testing.
• If you routinely take any medications take them as prescribed.

• Inhalers, if you use them
• List of medications and dosages
• Insurance card
• Referral for the stress test, if required by your insurance company

The test will be performed at:

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center
6601 Preston Rd
Plano, TX 75024
469.800.6300

It is very important that you keep your stress test appointment once it is scheduled. If you must cancel your appointment, please give the office at least 24 hours notice by calling 469.800.6300. Our testing schedule requires tight time restrictions, so please notify the office immediately if you will be late for your appointment. We appreciate your complete cooperation.

Cardiolite can increase the accuracy of traditional stress testing in the detection of coronary artery disease.

After a review of the heart test, your medical history, other imaging modalities and previous tests by a Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center cardiologist in Plano, a report will be sent to the ordering physician. The ordering physician will then review the results and discuss them with you.