What is a Lexiscan MPI stress test and how is it performed?
Lexiscan is a medication used to dilate the coronary arteries to allow increased blood flow to the heart. It is used to increase the heart rate instead of walking on a treadmill. Lexiscan causes a feeling of warmth and flushing. A small percentage of people may experience chest discomfort, a feeling of breathlessness, nausea or headache. These side effects usually go away quickly once the infusion is complete.
To make an appointment for a Cardiac Diagnostic Test, call
(815) 759.4050.
You lie down for a Lexiscan MPI stress test. An EKG monitor, blood pressure monitor and an oxygen monitor will be attached to you. Your heart rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen levels will also be monitored.
The Lexiscan is given over 15 seconds through a small IV. After the medicine is given, a nuclear medicine technologist will inject a dose of radioactive isotope (imaging material). There are no side effects associated with the imaging material. About 60 minutes after the test you will lay flat on a table and a machine will scan your heart for 15 minutes. This is an open machine and you may breathe and talk normally.
How should I prepare for the Lexiscan MPI stress test?
- Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to the test.
- For 24 hours before the test, do not have any caffeine, decaffeinated or chocolate beverages. Do not eat any chocolate. Do not take Excedrin, Anacin, NoDoz, diet pills or any other medicine that contains caffeine. Caffeine interferes with the Lexiscan and makes the test invalid. If caffeine is taken the test will have to be repeated or rescheduled.
- Do not apply lotions or powders to your skin. You may wear underarm deodorant.
- Do not smoke the day of the test.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to the test at the Heart Center.
- Please allow 60 to 90 minutes for the test and imaging. Some patients may have to return at another date for resting (non-medication) images. This is up to the radiologist. You will be contacted by the nuclear medicine department if this is necessary.
- Talk to your doctor or care provider about which of your medications you should take before the exam.
What should I tell the doctor or nurse before the test?
- If you have asthma or any breathing problems
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding
- If you have any questions or concerns
Call your doctor if you have:
- Any new or unrelieved chest pain
- Any new or unrelieved problems breathing
- Any new problems or concerns