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- What To Expect
- The Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) test will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hrs to complete. If you are claustrophobic, please call the clinic prior to your appointment and notify staff.
- No caffeine for 24hrs prior to the exam. Please stop caffeine consumption by 9:30AM the day before your appointment. (Coffee, pop, tea, chai tea or chocolate. This also includes any decaffeinated product and medications with codeine or caffeine such as T3 and T4’s.)
- Please drink 1 to 2 glasses of water before you come to your exam to help with IV set up.
- Nothing to eat four (4) hours prior to the exam. Diabetics may have a light meal (ie. toast, cereal, oatmeal) three (3) hours prior to the exam. You can drink water as normal. You must stay fasting for the entire test (stress and rest portion). If you are diabetic, please bring your blood glucose monitor and a juice to help monitor and maintain your blood sugars as needed.
- Calcium channel blockers need to be stopped 24 hours prior to stress test with advice of doctor. Please check the list below for names of the drugs. If you are unsure, please ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking calcium channel blockers.
- Please bring a list of medications that you are taking to your exam.
- Wear short sleeve, loose fit clothing and running shoes. Please bring your own towel to wipe with after test.
- Do not apply creams, lotions, oils, powder or other products to your chest on the day of exam.
- You are welcome to bring a book or an activity to do while you are in the waiting room.
- Children are not permitted at the appointment with patients or translators due to safety.
- You are required to bring your own translator if you need assistance during your appointment. Your exam may be subject to cancellation depending on your level of understanding if a translator is not present. The translator must stay the entire duration of your appointment.
Safety & Support
- You may bring one support person, aged 16 or older, but only if you need help with translation.
- Children may not accompany patients during the test or left unattended in the waiting area.
- List of Medication to be Discontinued (STOPPED):
NOTE: If you are unsure if you are taking these medications, please contact your pharmacist or doctor for clarification.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Stop 24 Hours before test (unless otherwise instructed by physician):
Calcium Channel Blockers: Stop 24 Hours before test (unless otherwise instructed by physician):
- Amlodipine
- Felodipine (Plendil, Renedil)
- Isosorbide Dinitrate
- Ivabradine/Coralan/Procoralan
- Nicardipine/Cardene/Cardene SR
- Diltiazam (Cardizem CD/SR)
- Imdur
- Isodil SR
- Isosorbide Mononitrate
- Isoptin/Isoptin SR
- Nifidipine/Adalat PA/Adalat XL
- Verapamil (Isoptin Chronovera)
Other medications to stop for 48 hours: Sildenafil/Viagra, Tadalafil/Cialis
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be allergic to the tracer?
Allergic reactions are very uncommon, but please talk to us beforehand if you have concerns.
Can I have an X-ray before or on the same day as the MPI?
Yes.
Can I breastfeed after the MPI?
Yes. It is safe to breastfeed afterward.
Can I take Tylenol Arthritis or cold/flu medications?
Yes, these are safe to take before your appointment.
Can I take my medications after the MPI?
Yes, you can resume your regular medications once the test is finished.
Does the tracer contain dye?
No.
