An exercise stress test is primarily used to identify coronary artery disease. It requires patients to exercise on a treadmill while their heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and symptoms are monitored.

A nuclear medicine stress test allows your doctor to take pictures of your heart while you are stressed (exercising) as well as during rest. This test involves the injection of a radioactive 'tracer' that allows the heart muscle to be seen on special x-rays. This is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease, the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The amount of radioactive 'tracer' that is used is a very small amount and safe.

Preparation for exercise and nuclear stress tests is very similar. Plan on a regular stress test taking 45 minutes. A nuclear stress test may take 3-4 hours due to waiting periods between portions of the test. You will be able to visit with a friend or family member or bring reading material with you.

1. Do not drink caffeine, including decaffeinated or caffeine-free drinks, for 24 hours before testing. If you are not sure if a drink has caffeine in it, please do not drink it. (examples: sodas, coffee, tea, chocolate, Anacin, Excedrin, etc.). You may drink water and juice.
2. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day prior to the test.
3. If you take any of the following medications, please do not take them the night before and the day of your test: Tenormin, Tenorectic, Nadolol, Coreg, Carvedilol, Inderal, Inderide, Propanolol, Nadolol, Corgard, Lopressor, Metoprolol, Ziac, Sectral, Acebutolol, Betapace, Sotalol, Toprol XL, Blocadren Kerlone, or Persantine/Dipyridamole.
4. You may take any other morning medicines with enough water to get them down.
5. If you are diabetic, DO NOT take your diabetic medicine. You may bring your medicine and a snack with you.
6. Please let us know if you are presently taking any type of inhalers or have known lung problems.
7. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing you can exercise in. You will also be required to wear a hospital gown for part of the testing process.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call us at 406-222-3541 the day before to cancel or reschedule, as we have to special order medication for you.