Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease is a disease in which a substance called plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, which deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The buildup of plaque narrows the arteries and thus reduces blood flow to the heart.

Less flow is bad, right?

Reduced blood flow may cause chest pain (angina) and potentially a heart attack. Injured heart muscle can be permanently damaged if the coronary arteries stay blocked for too long. If there is a problem with your heart, it is important to find out about it as soon as possible.

What is an MPI test?

MPI stands for myocardial perfusion imaging. The “myocardium” is your heart muscle. “Perfusion” refers to blood flow. And “imaging” is exactly what it sounds like, taking pictures. So, myocardial perfusion imaging is basically taking pictures of the blood flow to your heart. MPI is also called a cardiac nuclear stress test. It is a commonly used test that provides detailed images that can be used to diagnose and assess coronary artery disease.

Does the test hurt?

Except for a small needle (catheter) that will likely be placed in a vein (IV) in your arm at the start of the test, MPI is a noninvasive test. That means it takes place outside of your body and does not involve surgery of any kind. You will probably stay awake and alert the entire time. A small amount of radioactive fluid, called a tracer, will be injected into your bloodstream through the catheter during the MPI test. This tracer helps the doctor see the blood flow to your heart.

So the tracer fluid is radioactive?

Yes. Remember, radiation is always around us, from computers to wireless technology. Your doctor will make sure this is an appropriate test by looking at the amount of radiation you will be exposed to compared to your risks for heart disease. When it has been determined to be an appropriate test, not having this test may put you at a higher risk than having it done.

How do the pictures work? Is there a camera?

Yes. A special camera will take pictures of your heart once the tracer moves through your arteries. Depending on the type of test, you may be required to have 2 sets of pictures taken by the camera at 2 different times (either later that day or even the next day). These pictures give doctors detailed information about blood flow into your heart. They might see that some areas of your heart are not getting all the oxygen and nutrients they need. This information will help your doctors decide what steps should be taken next.

Will the test be monitored by a medical professional?

Yes. Your MPI test will be done under the supervision of your heart imaging team, which may consist of a cardiologist, a certified technologist, a radiologist, and/or a registered nurse. In addition to the catheter, electrocardiograph (ECG) leads will be placed on your upper body, and a blood pressure cuff will be used to check your blood pressure. These are all normal monitoring procedures during the test.

Will I need to exercise?

Exercise is conducted to evaluate how your heart responds to the increased need for more blood. Arteries that have no plaque will dilate to allow more blood to flow to the heart whereas diseased arteries will not.

What prevents someone from undergoing an exercise stress test?

There are any number of reasons why someone may be unable to undergo an exercise stress test. Some of these include certain heart conditions, restrictive airway disease, and muscular abnormalities. If you are unsure of your exercise capability, your doctor may suggest MPI testing with exercise, then switch to pharmacologic stress if deemed necessary and appropriate.

What's the medication given if I can't or failed exercise?

Lexiscan (regadenoson) injection is an option. Lexiscan is a prescription drug given through an IV line that increases blood flow through the arteries of the heart during a cardiac nuclear stress test. Lexiscan is given to patients when they are unable to exercise adequately for a stress test.

What exactly does Lexiscan do?

Lexiscan is a prescription medication given through an IV line that increases blood flow through the arteries of the heart during a cardiac nuclear stress test. Lexiscan is given to patients when they are unable to exercise adequately for a stress test.

How will Lexiscan be given?

What are the most common side effects with Lexiscan?

The most common side effects that occurred in clinical trials of Lexiscan were shortness of breath, headache, flushing, chest discomfort or chest pain, dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, a metallic taste in the mouth, and feeling hot. Most common side effects began soon after receiving Lexiscan and went away within 15 minutes, except for headache, which resolved in most patients within 30 minutes. You will be monitored before and after administration of Lexiscan for any side effects that require treatment. Such side effects are expected, so be sure to tell the physician or lab personnel how you’re feeling. Remember, these effects usually go away within minutes. After you receive Lexiscan, you’ll be ready for the images to be taken between 1-2 hours later.

What might I be asked to do during the imaging part of the test?

For the best possible images of your heart, just do your best to relax and stay still. The goal is to be sure you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure. If you received Lexiscan (regadenoson) injection, you may still be feeling its effects when you’re ready for the images to be taken. During the imaging part of the test, you’ll likely rest on your back with your arms above your head. The camera will take images of your heart for about 15-30 minutes. It’s very important you’re comfortable so you can be as still as possible for the camera to produce the best images. The camera is large, but don’t worry. It shouldn't touch your body, and it doesn’t hurt.

Why might there be 2 sets of images?

One set of images will usually be taken after the treadmill exercise or after you’ve received pharmacologic stress. You may have another set of images taken while you’re at rest. Comparing these 2 sets of images allows your doctor to see if any parts of your heart are not getting enough blood.

What usually happens after the test?

A nuclear cardiologist or radiologist will usually look at the pictures of your heart to look for areas that might not be getting enough blood. They will likley discuss the images with the doctor who ordered the test, who may be your cardiologist or your primary care doctor. When you meet with your doctor, you’ll probably discuss the test results and decide what steps to take next. These may include some simple lifestyle changes, new medications, or more testing.

What foods, drinks, and medications should I stop before the test?

Be sure to discuss with your doctor which food and drinks to avoid before the test. As a rule of thumb, you should not consume foods, drinks, or medications that contain caffeine for at least 12 hours before the test, including decaffeinated products. This includes coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa products, soda, including those labeled "caffeine-free," diet supplements and energy drinks. You should also not take medications that contain aminophylline, theophylline, or dipyridamole. View a short list of what not to eat or drink before your test.

  • Foods
    to Avoid
  • Drinks
    to Avoid
  • Medications
    to Avoid

chocolate candies

chocolate cakes

brownies

chocolate pudding

energy bars

chocolate milk

hot cocoa

coffee
(brewed, instant, iced, decaf)

tea
(brewed, instant, iced, decaf)

soda pop
(including “caffeine-free”)

energy drinks

  • OTC drug (containing caffeine)
  • Anacin® (aspirin, caffeine)
  • Excedrin® (acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine)
  • Vivarin® (caffeine)
  • NoDoz® (caffeine)
  • Prescription drugs containing caffeine
  • Cafergot® (ergotamine tartrate, caffeine)
  • Esgic® (butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine)
  • Fioricet® (butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine)
  • Fiorinal® (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine)
  • Prescription drugs containing dipyramidole (withhold for 48 hours)
  • Aggrenox® (aspirin, dipyridamole)
  • Persantine® (dipyridamole)
  • Prescription drugs containing theophylline
  • Elixophyllin® (theophylline)
  • Theo-24® (theophylline)

Usage

What is Lexiscan?

Lexiscan® (regadenoson) injection is a prescription medicine that goes into your blood by an IV (intravenous) line. It increases blood flow through the arteries of the heart during a cardiac nuclear stress test. Lexiscan is used when a patient cannot exercise adequately for a stress test.

Important Safety Information

Who should not be given Lexiscan?

Lexiscan is not for everyone.

Lexiscan should not be given to patients who have certain abnormal heart rhythms, unless they have a pacemaker.

Lexiscan can cause serious or fatal cardiac arrest, abnormal heart rhythms, or heart attack.

Allergic reactions can occur after Lexiscan injection.

Lexiscan may cause an increase or decrease in blood pressure, especially in patients with certain heart and blood disorders.

What should I tell my doctor before receiving Lexiscan?

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Have a heart or blood vessel disorder
  • Have a respiratory disease, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma, and what medicines you take for it.
Lexiscan can cause breathing difficulties
  • Have a history of seizures. Lexiscan can increase the risk of seizures

What are some of the possible side effects of Lexiscan?

Lexiscan can cause stroke, which may be a result of an increase or decrease in blood pressure.

The most common side effects that occurred in clinical trials of Lexiscan include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Flushing
  • A metallic taste in the mouth
  • Chest discomfort or chest pain
  • Feeling hot
  • Dizziness

These side effects began soon after receiving Lexiscan and went away in 15 to 30 minutes.

How do I prepare for a heart scan?

In the 12 hours before your heart scan:

  • Do not have any food and drinks that have caffeine in them
  • Do not take medicines that have caffeine, aminophylline, or theophylline in them

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking any medicines you usually take before the day of the test.

What about women who are nursing?

If you are nursing, be sure to pump and throw away breast milk for 10 hours after receiving Lexiscan.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For further information, please talk to your healthcare professional and see accompanying full Prescribing Information for Lexiscan.

Usage and Important Safety Information

See More

Usage

What is Lexiscan?

Lexiscan® (regadenoson) injection is a prescription medicine that goes into your blood by an IV (intravenous) line. It increases blood flow through the arteries of the heart during a cardiac nuclear stress test. Lexiscan is used when a patient cannot exercise adequately for a stress test.

Important Safety Information

Who should not be given Lexiscan?

Lexiscan is not for everyone.

Lexiscan should not be given to patients who have certain abnormal heart rhythms, unless they have a pacemaker.

Lexiscan can cause serious or fatal cardiac arrest, abnormal heart rhythms, or heart attack. Allergic reactions can occur after Lexiscan injection.

Usage

What is Lexiscan?

Lexiscan® (regadenoson) injection is a prescription medicine that goes into your blood by an IV (intravenous) line. It increases blood flow through the arteries of the heart during a cardiac nuclear stress test. Lexiscan is used when a patient cannot exercise adequately for a stress test.

Important Safety Information

Who should not be given Lexiscan?

Lexiscan is not for everyone.

Lexiscan should not be given to patients who have certain abnormal heart rhythms, unless they have a pacemaker.

Lexiscan can cause serious or fatal cardiac arrest, abnormal heart rhythms, or heart attack.

Allergic reactions can occur after Lexiscan injection.

Lexiscan may cause an increase or decrease in blood pressure, especially in patients with certain heart and blood disorders.

What should I tell my doctor before receiving Lexiscan?

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Have a heart or blood vessel disorder
  • Have a respiratory disease, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma, and what medicines you take for it.
Lexiscan can cause breathing difficulties
  • Have a history of seizures. Lexiscan can increase the risk of seizures

What are some of the possible side effects of Lexiscan?

Lexiscan can cause stroke, which may be a result of an increase or decrease in blood pressure.

The most common side effects that occurred in clinical trials of Lexiscan include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Flushing
  • A metallic taste in the mouth
  • Chest discomfort or chest pain
  • Feeling hot
  • Dizziness

These side effects began soon after receiving Lexiscan and went away in 15 to 30 minutes.

How do I prepare for a heart scan?

In the 12 hours before your heart scan:

  • Do not have any food and drinks that have caffeine in them
  • Do not take medicines that have caffeine, aminophylline, or theophylline in them

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking any medicines you usually take before the day of the test.

What about women who are nursing?

If you are nursing, be sure to pump and throw away breast milk for 10 hours after receiving Lexiscan.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For further information, please talk to your healthcare professional and see accompanying full Prescribing Information for Lexiscan.