Nuclear Adenosine Stress Test- anyone had one? - Heart Disorders Message Board

snowmelts · 12-20-2003, 01:20 PM

My Dr ordered a Nuclear Adenosine Stress Test for me.

I'd like to know anyone's experience with this.

???????????

I don't know anyone who ever had one.

I'd appreciate any info about your experiences.

I have the instructions and I've read what Medlineplus has to say about it.
You can't have any form of caffine for 24 hours and I've very addicted to coffee. Because of this I'll be showingup for test with the world's worst headache already stampeading in my head because this is what caffine withdraw does to me ! (If I can even wake up)

zip2play · 12-21-2003, 05:56 AM

snowmelts,

Do you have risk factors that would advise against the regular stress testing. It seems the adenosine is used to simulate stress by acting as a potent chemical vasodilator.
You have my sympathy. Add caffeine withdrawal to the stress of cardio testing and you will have the worlds worst headache. I know because I'm a 1/2 gallon a day man myself- like mother's milk.
(I even drank cofee before going to kindergarten.....for real)

Here's a nice .edu link:
[url]http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/cardiology/nuclear/physicians.htm#pet[/url]
You want the paragraphs called Pharmacological Stress Test.

snowmelts · 12-21-2003, 03:56 PM

Thank you. Nice to meet another coffee-aholic. Oh yeah my head would just explode right out of my skull. I'm calling in the morning and askeing about changeing this. I see in the link you provided that they do use this test when the person has COPD, ***** I do have, but I CAN do a treadmill..just not in any sort of race. I can do a fast walk. I have feet/knees/back joint problems so I'll even tell them I'll wear the knee brace for the stress test.
NO CAFFINE would a "challange" to my system all by itself!

Anyway thanks, I'm calling them in the morning.

snowmelts · 12-22-2003, 08:11 PM

I called the Heart Center.. they won't change it. I've got to have the Adenosine.
However they said it's not really necessary to go 24 hours without caffine.. 12 hours is fine and will not mess up the test.
I can do 12 hours.

Now I just need to worry about them "stressing" my heart with the Adenosine.

KATIE25 · 12-23-2003, 08:12 AM

Hi snowmelts!

I had this test done back in September. I will give it to ya straight...You will feel like you are having a heart attack. The drug is designed to stress your heart and it will I promise. It sounds horrible and for maybe 5 minutes at the most, it is, but just remember to take slow deep breaths and try to stay calm, and you will be fine. Promise!

My dr told me that he uses this test in younger people who are in most likely pretty good shape, so they don't have to spend an hour on the treadmill just to reach their target heart rate, and those folks with joint or age issues. I was very scared myself, so you are not alone, but it only last a VERY short while, and the key is slow deep breaths, and try not to panic. Try to remember that you are closely monitered the entire time. Please let us know how it goes! If you have anymore questions, just post and I or someone else will try to answer them for you!
Best Wishes!

Katie