Thallium stress test is a nuclear imaging method that shows how well blood flows into the heart muscle, both at rest and during activity.
How the Test is Performed
This test is done at a medical center or doctor's office. It is done in stages:
You will have an IV (intravenous line) started.
- A substance, such as thallium or sestamibi, will be injected into one of your veins.
- You will lie down and wait for between 15 and 45 minutes.
- A special camera will scan your heart and create pictures to show how the substance has traveled through your blood and into your heart.
Most people will then walk on a treadmill (or pedal on an exercise machine).
- After the treadmill starts moving slowly, you will be asked to walk (or pedal) faster and on an incline.
- If you are not able to exercise, your doctor may give you a medicine called a vasodilator. This drug widens (dilates) your heart arteries.
- In other cases, you may get a medicine (lexiscan) that will make your heart beat faster and harder, similar to when you exercise.
Your blood pressure and heart rhythm (ECG) will be watched throughout the test.
When your heart is working as hard as it can, a radioactive substance is again injected into one of your veins.
- You will wait for 15 to 45 minutes.
- Again, the special camera will scan your heart and create pictures.
- You may be allowed to get up from the table or chair and have a snack or drink.
Your doctor will compare the first and second set of pictures using a computer. This can help your doctor tell if you have heart disease or if your heart disease is becoming worse.
How to Prepare for the Test
You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-skid soles. You may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight. You will be allowed to have a few sips of water if you need to take medicines.
You will need to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before the test. This includes:
- Tea and coffee and all sodas, even ones that are labeled caffeine-free
- Chocolates, and certain pain relievers that contain caffeine
Many medicines can interfere with blood test results.
- Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before the test.
- DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your doctor first.
How the Test will Feel
During the test, some people feel:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps in the legs or feet
- Shortness of breath
If you are given the vasodilator drug, you may feel a sting as the medication is injected. This is followed by a feeling of warmth. Some people also have a headache, nausea, and a feeling that their heart is racing.
If you are given medicine to make your heart beat stronger and faster (lexiscan), you may have a headache, nausea, or your heart may pound more strongly.
Rarely, during the test people experience:
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
If any of these symptoms occur during your test, tell the person performing the test right away.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is done to see if your heart muscle is getting enough blood flow and oxygen when it is working hard (under stress).
Your doctor may order this test to find out:
- How well a treatment (medicines, angioplasty, heart surgery) is working
- If you are at high risk for heart disease or complications
- If you are planning to start an exercise program or have surgery
- The cause of new chest pain or worsening angina
The results of a nuclear stress test can help your doctor:
- Determine how well your heart is pumping
- Determine the proper treatment for coronary heart disease
- Diagnose coronary artery disease
- See whether your heart is too large
Normal Results
A normal result means blood flow through the coronary arteries is probably normal. The meaning of your test results depends on the reason for the test, your age, and your history of heart and other medical problems.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
- Reduced blood flow to a part of the heart. The most likely cause is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the arteries that supply your heart muscle.
- Scarring of the heart muscle due to a previous heart attack.
After the test you may need:
- Changes in medicine
- Coronary Angiography or stent placement
Risks
Complications are rare, but may include:
- Arrhythmias
- Increased angina pain during the test
- Breathing problems or asthma-like reactions
- Extreme swings in blood pressure
- Skin rashes
Your provider will explain the risks before the test.
Considerations
In some cases, other organs and structures can cause false positive results. However, special steps can be taken to avoid this problem. You may need additional tests, such as cardiac catheterization, depending on your test results.
