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What Is Chemical Stress Test & Imaging?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to diagnose and treat heart disease, doctors rely upon a number of tests, including chemical stress testing and isotope imaging.

  1. Identification

    • During a chemical stress test, a cardiologist administers an IV into your arm, and you lie still while the medicine takes effect. During the stress test, a radioactive isotope is injected into your bloodstream and an echocardiogram is performed.

    Function

    • The intravenous solution contains a medicine that increases your heart rate chemically, allowing doctors to observe the behavior of the organ under stress. Isotope imaging makes it possible to make detailed pictures of your heart.

    Effects

    • The results of a chemical stress test help your doctor diagnose causes of chest pain and help locate possible blockages or deformities associated with heart disease.

    Time Frame

    • The entire chemical stress test and cardiac imaging requires approximately two to four hours to complete.

    Types of Medications

    • Medications used to perform chemical stress tests include dipyridamole, dobutamine and adenosine, according to HeartSite.com.

    Risks

    • The radiation you are exposed to during a chemical stress test and cardiac imaging is very minimal and poses no risks. The injection of the cardiovascular accelerant into your blood stream has the potential to cause a heart attack in some patients, but because the test is performed under the supervision of a cardiologist and other medical professionals, it is generally very safe.

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