Preparing for MPI Stress Tests

Central Coast Cardiology Diagnostic Instructions

The myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) stress test is a diagnostic technique that monitors blood flow to the heart during exercise. Before exercising, a small imaging agent is injected into the blood. This dyes the blood so that it is easier to monitor through a scanning device called a gamma camera. Doctors are then able to watch the flow of blood and look for any blockages that are impeding sufficient blood flow to the heart. This information can help you prevent heart attacks and other heart complications.

Before the Test

In order to receive accurate results from an MPI stress test, you will have to make a few changes to your regular routine beforehand. If your exam is schedule for the morning, stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before; you can still drink water if needed. You can eat a light breakfast the morning of the test if it is schedule for later that afternoon, but do not consume any coffee, tea, soft drinks, sugar or anything that contains caffeine. All of these can taint the results of your exam, even decaffeinated coffee.

If you take medication, please stop taking the following at the designated time:

• 3 days before the exam, stop taking Digitalis, Digitek, Digioxin, Lanoxin
• 2 days before the exam, stop taking Aerolate, Bronkody, Contant-T Exlixophylline-SR, Levitra, Primatene, Quibron-T/SR, Respid, Sustaire, Slo-Bod Gyrocaps, Slo-Phyllin Gyrocaps, Theo-24, Theobid-Duracap, Theochron, Theoclear LA, Theo-Dur, Theo-Dur Sprinkles, Theolaire-SR, Theophylline SR, Theospan-SR, Theospan-JR-Duracap, Uniphyl, Viagra
• 1 day before the exam, stop taking Atenolol, Carvedilol, Coreg, Inderol, Lopressor, Metroprolol, Propranolol, Tenormin, Tropol
• The day of the exam, do not take Adalat, Calan, Cardizem, Covera, Diltiazem, Isoptin, Nifedipine, Procardia, Tiazac, Verelan, Verapamil, ALL DIABETES medications, and all forms of NYTROGLYCERIN (including Imdur, ISMO, Isodril, Nitro-patch, Nitro-bid)

What to Expect

An IV with the special tracer will be hooked into your arm. The doctor will monitor blood flow during your body’s restful state, and then have you start exercising. This is a light workout where you walk on a treadmill. The speed of the treadmill will increase periodically throughout the test.

If you are unable to exercise for some reason, you will be administered a drug called Adenoscan, which simulates the sensation of exercising in the body. This is a convenient alternative for patients with arthritis or disability.

Afterwards, your doctor will review the results and provide you with a full review on how your heart handled the workout.

If you have more questions about MPI Stress tests, feel free to call Central Coast Cardiology at 831-758-2100.