Nuclear Stress Test (GXT’s)

Your physician may order a Graded Exercise Test with Nuclear Stress Imaging, commonly called a GXT.  This test will use radioisotopes to view and track your blood flow while you are resting and after exercise.  Please read the following carefully and COMPLY WITH ALL INSTRUCTIONS in order to properly prepare for your test.  Please allow 2 to 3 hours for completion of the test. Please note: the isotope is pre-purchased and expires the day of the test. You will be responsible for the cost of the isotope if you do not cancel by noon the day before the test, or are unable to complete the test due to failure to follow these instructions.

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

  • NO caffeine or decaffeinated products 24 hours prior to the test (avoid all soft drinks, chocolate, coffee and tea including decaffeinated coffee and tea which do contain a small amount of caffeine).

  • Do not eat or drink ANYTHING except water 4 hours prior to the test.

  • Do not smoke or use any tobacco products 4 hours prior to the test.

  • Do not use any nicotine products (patches or gum, etc.) 4 hours prior to the test.

  • TAKE ALL your daily medications with water on the day of the test EXCEPT those listed below in the “Medications That Should Not Be Taken Prior to the Test” section. Unless otherwise instructed by your physician*.

  • Bring a written list of your medication(s) with you to the test (this is VERY important).

*Please discuss any questions regarding your medication with your physician or our staff.

 

MEDICATIONS THAT CANNOT BE TAKEN PRIOR TO THE TEST

  • Do not take “Beta Blockers” for 24 hours before the test since they limit heart rate.  Beta Blockers should not be taken on the morning of the test but do bring them to take afterward (examples of these medicines include Atenolol, Tenormin, Metoprolol, Lopressor, Toprol, Zebeta).

  • There is ONE EXCEPTION among the Beta Blockers called COREG.  If you are on Coreg, you SHOULD take it as usual including the morning of the test.

  • Do not take Viagra, Levitra, Cialis or similar type medications for 48 hours prior to the test, as these medications react to nitroglycerin, which may be used in case of an emergency during the test.

  • Cialis and some similar type medications may have longer lasting formulations that take longer to clear your system.  If you are in doubt, avoid Cialis for up to for 7 days prior to the test or ask your doctor.

If you are unable to take the test due to your failure to follow these instructions, you will be responsible for the cost of the unused isotope.

 DAY OF THE TEST

  • Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes or sneakers with you to the test.

  • Wear a comfortable, casual outfit.

  • Women – do not wear a dress.

  • Men – do not wear overalls or coveralls.

  

TELL THE TECHNOLOGIST ABOUT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

  • Any asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, wheezing, emphysema or lung disease

  • Any pulmonary inhalers that you have used recently or in the past, or of any breathing treatments required.  (Please bring any inhalers with you).

  • Any recent worsening of chest symptoms.

  • Any recent symptoms suggesting stroke even if these symptoms went away.

  • Any Viagra, Levitra, Cialis or similar type medications taken with the last 7 days. 

  • Any Persantine, Dipyridamole or Aggrenox taken within the last 7 days.

 Proper preparation for this test is very important.  If you have any questions about these instructions, please consult your physician or our staff.

 

You will be responsible for the $175 isotope fee if you miss this appointment , don’t cancel it before noon the day before the test, or are unable to complete the test due to failure to follow these instructions.

 

If you have been referred to our in-house provider for your GXT, please be aware that we contract with another company to provide the resources that allow us to offer this procedure in our office.  You have the option of being referred to other facilities of your choice for this service.   Should you choose to have your test done elsewhere, please call our office as soon as possible.  These appointments must be made and approved in advance.  GXT’s can be performed at: Baptist Medical Center (South and East), HealthScan, Jackson Hospital, Montgomery Cardiology Associates, Prattville Baptist Hospital, and River Region Cardiology.  There may be other facilities as well.