Radionuclide Angiography, Resting and Exercise

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - You will be attached to an EKG machine using small adhesive electrode patches. You will be lying on a table in the procedure room for the scanning portion of the procedure. During the procedure, it will be very important for you to lie as still as possible, as any movement can adversely affect the quality of the scan. The gamma camera will be positioned over you as you lie on the table. A stationary bicycle or a treadmill is used for the exercise portion of the procedure.
  
  
• Anesthesia - None required.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  1. A medication, called pyrophosphate, will be injected into a vein in your arm.
     
     
  2. After 20 minutes, a radioactive tracer (usually technetium) will be injected into a vein in your arm to “tag” your blood cells so their progress through your heart can be traced with a scanner. The blood is returned into your vein through the IV tube.
     
     
  3. You will lie on a table. The gamma camera obtains images of the heart as it pumps the blood to your body.
     
     
  4. You may be asked to change positions during the test; however, once you have changed position, you will need to lie still without talking.
     
     
  5. After the resting scan has been completed, you will be asked to exercise on the treadmill. If you notice any discomfort, such as chest pain, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue while exercising, you should let the technician know.
     
     
• Procedure time - The test usually takes approximately two hours. However, events such as schedule delays, emergencies, and other factors may delay the start of your procedure, or prolong the length of it.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - Once all of the heart images have been obtained, your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate) will be monitored for a period of time. The staff and your physician will advise you when you are allowed to leave.
  
  
• Length of stay - This is an outpatient procedure, so no hospital stay is expected.
  
  
• Recuperation time - In general, there is no recuperation time involved. The only expected discomfort will be from the insertion of the IV. Some people may feel discomfort from having to lie still in one position or from having to exercise.
  
  
• Outcome - If the procedure shows a problem with your heart, you may be scheduled for additional tests, such as a cardiac catheterization, or your physician may decide to treat you with medication.

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