Welcome to the Shick Heart Center
 
Adenosine / Persantine Stress Test
This test involves giving a drug that will work the heart as though the person were exercising. The decision to give this test is based on the fact the person is unable to walk on a treadmill. No exercise is required and one of the following drugs; Adenosine or Persantine is given. The coronary arteries dilate thus increasing blood supply to the heart muscle. The technician then gives a small amount of radioactive medication called Thallium. This substance flows to the coronary arteries and allows the physician to better visualize blood distribution to the heart via computer images taken by the technician. If an area of the heart is receiving less blood supply due to narrowed arteries or blocked arteries the images exhibit less radioactive medication. This is read as a “deficit.” A few hours later, while the heart is in a resting mode, another set of computer images is taken. This allows for a comparison of blood flow between rest and stress. Preparation is minimal. The physician may ask you to go without eating two hours prior to the test. 

For more information about Heart Disease, Diagnosis and Treatments visit the American Heart Association Website