Exercise Stress MIBI
An exercise stress MIBI is a test where pictures of the heart (using a Nuclear camera) are taken at rest and then while recovering after reaching the highest heart rate after walking on a treadmill. The test is used to assess blood flow to the heart with exercise.
What should I do to prepare for the test?
- Many people find it uncomfortable to exercise on a full stomach so we ask that you do not have a large meal two hours before the test. You may have fluids and small snacks in this time period.
- Please DO NOT drink any beverages with caffeine nor take any medications that contain caffeine for 24 hours prior to the test.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing, as well as running shoes or good walking shoes.
- Continue to take your usual medications as prescribed by your doctor, unless told otherwise.
- Please bring a list of your current medications.
How long is the test?
The test takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete from start to finish.
What will happen during the test?
- You will be given a complete explanation of the test with time for questions and a consent form to sign before beginning the test.
- You will begin in the Nuclear department to have resting pictures of your heart. Then you will be taken to the Cardiac Diagnostics department for the exercise portion.
- There will be a Nuclear and ECG technician in the room. The doctor is in the immediate vicinity and will be available if needed at any time.
- The ECG technician will place electrodes on your chest—your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored throughout.
- The ECG technician will familiarize you with the treadmill and demonstrate how to walk on it. The speed and slope of the treadmill will change every three minutes until a target heart rate (determined by age) has been reached.
- Once completed, you will then be taken again to the Nuclear department to have a second set of pictures of your heart which will be compared to the resting pictures.
- The test will be read and reported by a cardiologist, and that report will go to your doctor.
- The Nuclear and ECG technician in the room are not able to provide you with test results.
Persantine MIBI
A Persantine MIBI is a test where pictures of the heart (using a Nuclear camera) are taken at rest and then while recovering after an injection of Persantine. The test is used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle.
What should I do to prepare for the test?
- Some people experience mild nausea so we ask that you do not have a large meal two hours before the test. You may have fluids and small snacks in this time period.
- Please DO NOT drink any beverages with caffeine nor take any medications that contain caffeine for 24 hours prior to the test.
- Continue to take your usual medications as prescribed by your doctor, unless told otherwise.
- Please bring a list of your current medications.
How long is the test?
The test takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete from start to finish.
What will happen during the test?
- You will be given a complete explanation of the test with time for questions and a consent form to sign before beginning the test.
- You will begin in the Nuclear department to have resting pictures of your heart. Then you will be taken to the Cardiac Diagnostics department for the Persantine portion.
- There will be a Nuclear and ECG technician in the room. The doctor is in the immediate vicinity and will be available if needed at any time.
- The ECG technician will place electrodes on your chest—your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored throughout.
- Over the course of 4 minutes, you will be given an injection to imitate exercise. Afterwards, as needed, a medication can be given to reverse the effects of the Persantine.
- Once completed, you will then be taken again to the Nuclear department to have a second set of pictures of your heart which will be compared to the resting pictures.
- The test will be read and reported by a cardiologist and that report will go to your doctor.
- The Nuclear and ECG technician in the room are not able to provide you with test results.