A Lexiscan Exercise Stress Test (ETT) is an advanced diagnostic tool that helps doctors detect people at risk for cardiovascular problems. During alexiscan an injection of a special synthetic form of vitamin E into a person's forearm muscle, or within the carotid artery, helps to temporarily tighten the muscles and blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow and increasing the oxygenation of blood. The increased oxygen and blood flow to allow for easier movement of nutrients and waste materials throughout the body. An increased oxygen flow in the body helps to fight against high blood pressure, a condition that contributes to heart attack and stroke.
A person doesn't have to put in a lot of time exercising to have an Lexiscan stress test. Typically it takes thirty minutes to an hour for a person to be able to take the medicine and have the stress test done. Usually the first time someone goes to the doctor to have this kind of test is when someone experiences high blood pressure, a major medical problem, like heart failure. This kind of test is usually offered in a doctor's office or at the local hospital.
A Lexiscan stress test consists of two parts. The first part is the administration of the Lexiscan stress medication and the second part is to do some cardiovascular exercises. Usually the doctor will give you a warning that you are not going to feel any pain after you have injected the Lexiscan stress medication. In order to make sure that you do not have any adverse side effects from taking this medication the physician will administer a smaller dosage. You will be monitored closely during the administration of the medicine to make sure that you don't experience any type of allergic reaction or adverse reactions to the caffeine contained in the Lexiscan stress shot. Normally a day or two will pass before you feel any effects from the caffeine.
If you decide that you want to have the nuclear stress test, you will go to your doctor first to find out what your options are. Usually you can schedule the nuclear test up to four hours prior to your exam. Your doctor will give you instructions on exactly how to use the Lexiscan stress shot and how to properly exercise on a treadmill. When you take the test, you should drink extra water because it will make you more dehydrated. Drinking too much water can decrease the amount of oxygen in your blood, which will decrease the effectiveness of the Lexiscan stress shot.
When you begin the test you will be given two doses of Lexiscan stress shots, one at ten minutes apart. You should keep a record of what you ate during the day and how you felt. Usually within an hour or two you will begin to feel more relief. You will experience mild to moderate nausea at the beginning. This is normal and you will not have any more adverse reactions to the medication than you would with any other medication. However, if you experience severe nausea, or feel light headed, or your heart starts to pound rapidly you should stop the treadmill exercise and contact your doctor immediately.
The purpose of the exercise is to use your body's own natural defenses to fight stress. You can get minor discomfort from the exercise, but your body is basically preparing to recover from the exercise. If you experience any severe symptoms, or if you feel lightheaded or your heart starts to pound rapidly, you should stop the treadmill and contact your doctor immediately, because the Lexiscan stress test may be incorrect, or the dosage you are taking could be too strong.
You can help your body to prepare for the Lexiscan stress test by following these simple tips: You should stay away from coffee, alcohol, and other beverages that contain caffeine; eat breakfast and lunch; limit or avoid smoking; and get plenty of rest. Be sure to let your body know that you are expecting a movie with the radioactive tracer by washing your hands thoroughly after touching the area on the inside of your elbow that will be treated with the radioactive tracer. Washing your hands thoroughly is especially important, because anything that touches the inside of your elbow is going to transfer the radiation into your blood stream, so it is vital that you cleanse your hands thoroughly before putting on any brace or vest.