Important information to prepare for your test
Please follow these instructions so we do not need to reschedule your test. Do not stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor.
48 hours before your test
- Stop taking these medications: Persantine (dipyridamole), Theo-Dur (theophylline) and Aggrenox.
24 hours before your test
- Do not drink or eat products that contain caffeine (coffee and tea, including decaf; cola; energy drinks; Mountain Dew) and those labeled “decaffeinated” or “caffeine-free” (these still contain small amounts of caffeine).
- Do not take medications that contain caffeine (Excederin, Anacin, diet pills, NoDoz, etc.). If you aren’t sure if a medication contains caffeine, read the label or ask your pharmacist or doctor.
- Stop taking these medications: Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, etc.), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, Isordil, etc.), beta blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol/Coreg, atenolol, etc.), nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, Deponit, Minitran, nitro patch, etc.).
Day of your test
- Do not smoke.
- Do not eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before your test.
- If you use an inhaler to help you breathe, please bring it to the test.
- Bring your medications with you on the day of your test.
Information for patients with diabetes
If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, ask your doctor how much medication you should take the day of the test. You may need to take half of your usual morning dose and eat a light meal 4 hours before the test. If you take pills to control your blood sugar, do not take your medication until after the test.
Do not take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test.
If you own a glucose monitor, bring it with you to check your blood sugar levels before and after your test. If you think your blood sugar is low, let us know right away. Plan to eat and take your diabetes medication after your test.
Why do I need this test?
A pharmacological Cardiac MRI stress test is used to check the blood flow to the heart. An exercise stress test is another way to check the blood flow, but if you can’t exercise or if your heart rate doesn’t go up enough with exercise, this test may be done instead. Your doctor may order this test to see if your heart is getting enough blood while you are active compared to when you are resting.
During the test, you will receive a small amount of medication (adenosine, dipyridamole or regadenoson). This medication mimics the effect of exercise on your blood flow. Your coronary arteries open (dilate), your blood flow increases, and there is a slight increase in your heart rate.
A small amount of dye (gadolinium) is injected into a vein while you are resting and again after you receive the medication. An MRI scanner takes pictures of the dye as it passes through your heart muscle. This creates computer images of your heart.
What to expect during the test
Your test will take place in the Cardiovascular Imaging Lab located at J1-4 (on the first floor of the Miller Family Pavilion). The testing area is supervised by a doctor.
Two IVs will be placed in your arm. Small, sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your EKG. You will also have a blood pressure cuff on your arm to monitor your blood pressure.
Your heart rate, EKG and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test.
You will need to lie very still inside the MRI scanner for about 45 minutes. You also need to hold your breath for short periods of time while the MRI scanner takes pictures of your heart.
Before you receive the medication through the IV, the nurse will talk to you about the possible side effects of the medication so you will know what to expect.
The MRI scanner will take images of your heart to check its size, function, blood flow through your heart and to determine if you have any permanent damage to your heart muscle.
How long will the test last?
The MRI takes about 45 minutes, but your appointment may last up to 2 hours.
How do I get the results of my test?
Your doctor will get the results of your test and discuss them with you.
