Cardiac Perfusion Scan

Cardiolite Stress Test, Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy, Nonexercise stress test, Nuclear Stress Test, Thallium/Technetium (Sestamibi) Cardiac Scan

Risks

Cardiac perfusion scans are usually safe. There is always a slight chance of damage to cells or tissue from radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. But the chance of damage from the radiation is usually very low compared with the benefits of the test.

The risk of exercise depends on the condition of your heart and your general level of health. The risks include:

• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• An irregular heartbeat.
• Heart attack. There is a slight risk that death may result if a heart attack occurs during the test.

After the test

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you develop:

• Chest pain.
• Trouble breathing.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: February 21, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
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