Cardiac Perfusion Scan: How To Prepare

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How To Prepare

Before a cardiac perfusion, tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking any medicines, including Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra. You may need to take nitroglycerin during this test, which can cause a serious reaction if you have taken sildenafil (Viagra) within the previous 48 hours. Ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking any of your other medicines before the test.
• Are allergic to any medicines or anesthetics.
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Are breast-feeding. Use formula and throw out your breast milk for 1 to 2 days after the scan.

Do not eat or drink for at least 3 hours before a cardiac perfusion scan. If you are having a stress scan, avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeinated beverages, and nonprescription medicines for at least 24 hours before the test.

Wear comfortable shoes and loose shorts or pants suitable for exercise. Remove all jewelry before the test.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).

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Last updated:	January 18, 2006
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer