This test can measure blood pressure within the heart and how much oxygen is in the blood. It's also used to get information about the pumping ability of the heart muscle.

What is a Persantine Sestamibi Stress Test?

An IV Persantine Sestambi Stress Test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to your heart and the condition of your heart and its arteries. IV Persantine dilates the coronary arteries. The Sestamibi contains a very small amount of radioactivity that can be detected by a special camera that can take pictures of your heart at rest and immediately after the Persantine infusion. The results of this test will help our physicians determine what treatment is best for you.

What to Expect:

The test has two parts, a "REST" portion and a "STRESS" portion. The resting portion is  first. This takes approximately one and one-half hours.

You will be given an intravenous injection of radioactive tracer, Sestamibi, that follows the blood flow pattern to your heart. This is NOT a dye and there are no reactions or side effects. You will then "REST" for one hour in the Waiting Room.

You will then lie down on a table while a large camera moves around your chest taking pictures of your heart. This scan lasts around twenty-five minutes. After the "REST" scan is completed you will be given a return time for the "STRESS" portion.

When you return for the "STRESS" portion, which also takes about one and one-half hour, you will lie on a table and have an intravenous line (IV) started. This line will be used for the Persantine infusion and for a second injection of Sestamibi.

EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest. These pads will be connected to an electrocardiogram machine, so that your heart rate and rhythm can be monitored throughout the test. A blood pressure cuff will also be placed on your arm so that we may monitor your blood pressure during the test.

After these preliminary preparations your physician will join you in the room and be in attendance throughout the Persantine administration. At this time we will begin a four minute infusion of the Persantine medication through the IV line.

A few minutes after you receive the Persantine, a second dose of Sestamibi will be given, followed by the second scan of your heart.

Please note, that you will be allowed to leave the building between the two scans

Special Conditions:

You will be asked the day of the test to sign a routine consent form to allow us to perform the test. The amount of radiation which the body will receive as a result of this test is very small and is in the range of two chest x-rays. This radiation will be out of your system within 48 hours.  You may resume all normal activity following the completion of your Stress Test.  You must notify us of cancellation 48-hours before the scheduled test. If you cancel less than 48-hours prior to the test, you will be billed for the cost of the medications. This is because the medications are ordered specifically for each individual patient based on age and weight and cannot be reused.

Please inform us of your insurance, as some insurance companies require prior approval for insurance coverage before the test is scheduled.

What is a Sestamibi Treadmill Stress Test?

A Sestamibi Treadmill Stress Test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to your heart and the condition of your heart and its arteries. Sestamibi contains a very small amount of radioactivity that can be detected by a special camera that can take pictures of your heart. The results of this test will help your physician determine what treatment is best for you.

What is a Stress Echocardiogram?

A Stress Echocardiogram is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to the heart muscle. It is similar to a Thallium Stress Test, except that pictures of your heart will be taken before and after exercise with ultrasound, instead of Thallium. Several electrodes will be placed upon your chest. These pads will be connected to an electrocardiogram machine so that your heart rhythm can be monitored throughout the test. Baseline ultrasound pictures of your heart will be taken.

This test is the most accurate non-invasive way to measure the state of the blood supply to your heart.