Question:
Anyone have a Cardiolite Stress Test Done?

Has anyone had this test done? I am having it done tomorrow. I had RNY on Sept 18,2007. I would appreciate any info about this test. I have been feeling pressure on my chest for a while now. I have had 5 EKG done in past 2months. Thanks Cindy    — nanacindy (posted on February 13, 2008)

February 13, 2008
I had a cardiolite stress test done a few years ago. Its not to bad. They hook you up to a monitor and then put you on the treadmill. They start you walking very quickly and you walk till you can't go anymore, at that time they inject you with some dye. Then you get xrayed and they check it all out.
   — nanaDawn

February 14, 2008
I have had this test too. It isn't really bad. I wish you luck on the outcome.
   — Brenda R.

February 14, 2008
I had to have a "nuclear perfusion stress test" done prior to RNY surgery as one of the 'hoops' I had to jump through to be approved. A radioactive isotope (Thallium 201 I think) was used; Cardiolite may just be another word they've come up with to appease the people who panic anytime they hear the word 'nuclear'. It's no big deal. You just need to be careful to collect and properly dispose of any garments you might siol for about 24 hours after the test. It's a really good, noninvasive test and can expose problems that may not otherwise be seen with a regular EKG. Another technique that is used is PET, Positron Emission Tomography. Positrons are, in a sense ,'nuclear' as well, being the antiparticles of electrons. They are very short lived as they annihilate when they meet their antiparticles (electrons) and there are lots of those floating about in your body. Ask your doctor about the PET scan as well as the 'Cardiolite stress test' you are having.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 14, 2008
I had one done a month ago and it was easy. Wear a shirt with buttons so it is easier to get all the leads hooked up. They took me back gave me a IV hook up and a shot of nuclear meds. Then I waited 1/2 hour for the meds to go through my body. Then they took me back and I got on a tread mill and for 3 minutes you walk at a normal pace, while the cardiolite med is going thru your body. I felt my face get really hot and it was like I had a hard time getting my breath for about 30 seconds. After the test you wait for an hour and they take you back and get xrays of your heart. It is really not a big deal. So good luck
   — Linda G.

February 14, 2008
Hi, Thank you to all that responded to my question. I did have test done today. It was easy. Hopefully all comes back good news.
   — nanacindy