This afternoon (Friday) I was scheduled for an Adrenosine Nuclear [Pharmacological Myocardial Profusion (MPI) rest/stress study using Adrenosine] at 7:30 Monday morning. Since my cardiologist’s office is not open during the weekend, I cannot ask him before the test.
The instruction sheet I received says "Take medications as prescribed unless otherwise directed by your physician."
The Cleveland Clinic (not involved in my test) instruction sheet says:
"If you take heart medications: DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of the test unless your physician tells you otherwise, or unless it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test:
Isosorbide dinitrate (for example: Dilatrate, Isordil)
Isosorbide mononitrate (for example: Imdur, ISMO, Monoket)
Nitroglycerin (for example: Minitran, Nitropatches, Nitrostat)
Dipyridamole (Persantine) — Stop taking 48 hours before the test
Your physician may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your physician. Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your physician."
I take Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), usually about 7:30 in the morning, shortly after I normally get up. Obviously Monday morning I will be getting up earlier.
I have not decided if it would be better to take my normal dose shortly after I get up Monday or if it would be better to take the tablet with me to the appointment as ask if they want me to delay taking it until after the test. My concerns are:
If they want me to take it before the test, and I do not take it until 7:30, will they have to delay the start of the test until the medication gets into the bloodstream?
If I do take it and they did not want me to, would the test be less valid or postponed?
Any informed advice would be appreciated.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Imdur could possibly interfere with the test results since it causes the blood vessels to dialate and increase blood flow to cardiac tissue. But it is contraindicated to abruptly stop taking Imdur, as it can make symptoms of angina (chest pain) worse.
Call the number you have for your doctor. Listen to the message/recording, they should give a number for the doctor’s exchange. It is a way to get ahold of the physicians after hours. Whatever cardiologist is taking call will be able to answer your questions. It’s always a good idea to clarify.
It’s best to follow whatever their instructions are specifically.
- take your meds as prescribed by your regular Dr.
- remember to stay off all caffeine 24 hours prior exam. this includes all coffee, all tea, all soda, all chocolate, some cough meds
- if you have asthma …. take your inhaler with you and remind them you have asthma before they start.
- on day of exam take your meds with some water but do not eat breakfast
- expect to be there 2-3 hours for the entire exam.
- you will have 2 set of scans (at rest and after stress). there are 3 possible positions they could lay you down for the scan (on your back, stomach, and right side). the more positions they turn you, the more accurate the results.
- dont expect your Dr to give you results same day.
- when getting results, ask the Dr 1. how the slices look 2. what the wall motion looks like 3. what is the ejection fraction (E.F.)
Good Luck !!