Whether you have a heart problem or you are at risk for one, a thallium stress test may be helpful. The test is easy and can be conducted while you are at rest. A cardiologist can use it to find out how well your heart is functioning. The test can be done for a single visit or several times to determine the health of your heart. It can also be done as part of a hospital stay.
In a thallium stress test, a specialist injects a weakly radioactive substance into a vein. The radioisotope is then removed from the body through the urine. It takes about ten to twenty minutes for the radioisotope to reach the heart. This is why the test can sometimes miss the presence of minimal blockages.
During the stress test, you may feel shortness of breath or chest pain. You may also feel dizziness or a fast heartbeat. You may also have to stand still for a period of time. If you have asthma or other breathing problems, you should tell your doctor before the test.
You may also be asked to skip certain foods, drinks or medications. You should also tell your doctor about herbal supplements you take. Some medications can slow down your heart rate. You may also have to drink fluids to flush the tracer from your system. This will reduce your radiation exposure.
If you take medication for angina, diabetes or heart failure, you should talk with your doctor before the test. You may also need to take a medication to increase blood flow to your heart. If you take a medication for angina, you should not take a caffeine-containing liquid or coffee the day of the test. You should also avoid chocolate and sodas.
You should drink lots of fluids after the PET scan. This will help to flush the tracer from your system and speed up the removal process. You should also inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker, a defibrillator or other devices that can help control your heart rate.
When you have a thallium stress test, you will be asked to abstain from caffeine for three days. This may cause side effects such as headache, chest pain and dizziness. You may also be prescribed dobutamine therapy, which can cause heart pounding. You may also experience flushing or chest discomfort.
The thallium stress test is performed in a doctor’s office or hospital. The test takes between two and four hours. The cost can vary based on the type of hospital you go to. If you need to undergo a stress test, you should tell your doctor about any allergies you may have. Besides, if you have diabetes or heart problems, you should avoid chocolate and sodas. If you have a pacemaker or other devices, you should tell your doctor before the test.
During the thallium stress test, your heart muscle may be damaged. If the heart muscle is damaged, the body may have trouble sending blood to the lungs. The heart may also have scars from a previous heart attack. You may be able to undergo the stress test again to determine if your heart condition has worsened.
