Dear Patient,

The Nuclear Perfusion Study is a noninvasive exam used to assess heart function. Please avoid any strenuous activities until the results of this test are discussed with you by your physician at your follow up appointment. During the test moving images of the heart are created with the use of special cameras and a radioactive material known as a tracer. The moving images are created when the cameras record the radioactive signature of the tracer moving through the heart. This exam is extremely useful to physicians for determining abnormalities of the heart and the extent of damage caused by disease. Radiation received from the tracer is minimal and comparable to that of an x-ray. The tracer will be passed from the body by natural processes.

The Nuclear Perfusion Study requires that two sets of images be obtained. One set while the heart is resting and one while the heart is “stressed.” In order to place stress on the heart, the patient is asked to exercise by walking on the treadmill, using a staged protocol that becomes more intense over time. If a patient is unable to exercise, a medication can be administered which will produce similar results.

The test typically takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete. There will be an allotted break during the exam where you may leave the building to go eat, drink and take any medications needed. Most of your time will be spent waiting for the tracer to circulate throughout the body. Please follow the instructions listed below. Failure to do so may result in having to reschedule or change the type of test your doctor has ordered.

1. No eating, drinking or smoking after midnight, on the day before the test. If you are diabetic and your appointment is scheduled after 9:00am, you may have one slice of dry toast and 4 ounces of unsweetened juice between 6:00am and 7:00am.

2. Have no caffeine products (i.e. colas, teas, chocolates) 24 hours prior testing.

3. You may drink water.

4. If you are scheduled for a Stress or Dobutamine Thallium, please review the list of beta blockers below. All beta blockers should be held 24 hours prior to test.

5. Take all other medications as scheduled, unless you are diabetic. If you are diabetic, take your medication (not insulin) only if your appointment is after 9:00am and you have eaten (see above). If you have additional questions, please contact the office location where your test is scheduled.

6. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing (tennis shoes required for treadmill).

7. Tell us if you are pregnant, think you may be, or are breastfeeding.

8. Please bring a list of your medications, your insurance cards, and something to read while you are waiting.

A List of Beta Blockers to avoid

BRAND NAME GENERIC NAME

BETAPACE SOTALOL

BYSTOLIC NEBIVOLOL

COREG CARVEDILOL

CORGARD NADOLOL

CORZIDE NADOLOL/HCTZ

INDERAL PROPRANOLOL

INDERIDE PROPRANOLOL/HCTZ

LEVALOR PENBUTOLOL

LOPRESSOR METOPROLOL

SECTRAL ACEBUTOLOL

TENORETIC ATENOLOL/HCTZ

TENORMIN ATENOLOL

TIMOLIDE TIMOLOL/HCTZ

TOPROL METOPROLOL

TRANDATE LABETALOL

VISKEN PINDOLOL

ZEBETA BISOPROLOL

ZIAC BISOPROLOL/HCTZ

EYE DROPS CONTAINING BETA BLOCKERS

BETAGAN LEVOBUNOLOL

AK BETA LEVOBUNOLOL

BETOPTIC BETAXOLOL

OPTIPRANOLOL METIPRANOLOL

OCUPRESS CARTEOLOL

TIMOPTIC TIMOLOL

To avoid a $130.00 fee, 24 hours notice is required for cancellation of any Nuclear Perfusion study. You will discuss the results with your physician at your next appointment. Meanwhile if your condition worsens, or you have questions about this test or your medications contact our office at the office indicated above.

Thank you,

Atlanta Heart Associates, P.C.