Do you want to learn about your heart health but fear traditional physical stress tests?
Don’t worry!
With advanced healthcare practices, you do not have to run on a treadmill to perform a successful heart health test.
Sounds like a relief, right?
That’s precisely the purpose of the Lexiscan stress test, a heart health assessment designed for people who can’t perform traditional physical stress tests.
Health professionals use this specific test to mimic the exercise effect and stimulate heart performance using a regadenoson (Lexiscan) drug.
This test aids medical personnel in monitoring the health performance of patients with limited mobility or underlying health conditions.
This guide will explain everything you need about the Lexiscan stress test. It will help you understand how it works, why it’s done, and what to expect so you can feel fully prepared and informed.
What is Lexiscan Stress Test?
Lexiscan is the brand name for Regadenoson, a medication used during cardiac stress tests.
It is a coronary vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, simulating the effects of physical exercise.
The Lexiscan Stress Test is a safe and effective sit-down test used to evaluate the condition of your coronary arteries.
Cardiologists recommend it when walking or exercising on a treadmill,
but this is not possible due to conditions like arthritis, poor physical conditioning, certain blood pressure medications, or the presence of devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.
Rest assured, this test is designed with your safety in mind.
It is also known as A Nuclear Sit down Stress Test or LEXI.
This test is particularly useful for patients unable to undergo traditional exercise stress tests due to physical limitations or health conditions.
Role of Lexiscan (Regadenoson) Drug in Test
The Lexiscan stress test is a safe and non-invasive procedure a cardiologist performs.
The cardiologist injects a Lexiscan medication into your IV (Intravenous) while closely monitoring your heart’s response.
This medication effectively replicates the heart’s response to exercise, making it a suitable choice for those unable to exercise or with limited capacity.
What is the Purpose of a Lexiscan Stress Test?
The primary purpose of the Lexiscan stress test is to show how well your heart performs when beating hard. Some heart diseases are easier to find when your heart is working hard to pump blood.
Here are the reasons why you should perform the Lexiscan stress test:
- Check the sufficient blood flow as activity level increases.
- Extent of a coronary artery blockage.
- Effectiveness of cardiac procedures to improve circulation.
- Understand the cause(s) of chest pain.
- Assessing the surgery risk with cardiac complications.
These are some of the crucial reasons cardiologists suggest this test for people with heart problems. It allows them to understand their heart condition and helps them with adequate processes and medication.
What do to: Before, During and After the Test?
The Lexiscan stress test will closely monitor the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and ECG.
If these vital signs reach critical levels, the monitoring nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will administer medication to counteract the effects of Lexiscan.
Hence, a patient must follow instructions before, during, and after the test to complete the imaging process smoothly.
Preparing the Patient for Test
- Fasting: Patients should not eat or drink anything except water for 4 to 6 hours before the test. This helps prevent interference with the imaging process.
- Medications: The patient needs to adjust or pause some specific medicines before the test. They should inform doctors about prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements.
- Clothing: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and shoes are recommended. Patients should not perform any physical activity. They may also be asked to wear a hospital gown.
- Caffeine Restrictions: Since caffeine can severely affect heart rate, patients are asked to avoid caffeinated beverages for at least 12 to 24 hours before the test.
During the Test
- Stay Calm: Try to stay calm and relaxed during the imaging process. The sensations, like shortness of breath or a warm feeling caused by the Lexiscan injection, are normal and temporary.
- Follow Instructions: Listen closely to the medical team’s guidance. They may ask you to change your breathing pattern and stay still during imaging.
- Communicate Discomfort: Inform the healthcare staff immediately if you feel severe discomfort or chest pain. They can take appropriate action to ensure your safety.
- Stay Still: You may be asked to remain still for several minutes during imaging. Movement can affect the clarity of the images being captured.
Post-test Precautions & Instructions
- Look for Side Effects: It’s normal to feel mild side effects like dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath immediately after the test. If they get worse, contact the health practitioner.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water will help the patient flush the radioactive tracer and Lexiscan from the body. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids after the test.
Resume Normal Activities: Most patients can return to their daily routine immediately after the test. However, if you feel fatigued or unwell, rest as needed.
Medication Instructions: If any medications were paused before the test, patients should ask their doctor when it’s safe to resume them.
Follow-Up Instructions: Patients may be advised to schedule a follow-up appointment with their doctor to discuss test results and any necessary next steps.
These are some of the crucial reasons cardiologists suggest this test for people with heart problems. It allows them to understand their heart condition and helps them with adequate processes and medication.
Benefits of Doing Lexiscan Stress Test
Lexiscan is the brand name for Regadenoson, a medication used during cardiac stress tests.
It is a coronary vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, simulating the effects of physical exercise.
Side Effects from Stress Test with Lexiscan
- Lexiscan patients experience that the Lexiscan injection may cause a sensation of warmth and flushing.
- During the test, your breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating are usually increased.
- If you experience chest pain, headache, nausea, dizziness, or excessive shortness of breath, immediately notify the stress lab staff.
These symptoms are common and usually disappear within 3-4 minutes.
Imaging Process
- Nuclear Tracer Injection: Right after the Lexiscan injection, another injection of the Nuclear Tracer will be given for a second set of images.
- Treadmill Walk: You may be asked to walk on a treadmill slowly without any incline. This can reduce Lexiscan symptoms and improve the quality of the second set of images.
- Post-Injection Monitoring: Your EKG and blood pressure will be monitored 5 minutes after the Lexiscan injection. Once your vital signs return to baseline, you will be released to the waiting room for the final set of images.
Post-Test Instructions
- EKG Leads: The EKG leads will remain in place for the stress imaging portion. Please do not remove them.
- Eating and Drinking: You may now eat, drink, or take any medications. There are no further restrictions.
- Waiting Time: The waiting time for the stress images is about 45–75 minutes after the stress test.
- Stress Imaging: During stress imaging, wires are attached to 3 EKG leads. Your heart rate will be used to format pictures, taking about 10-15 minutes. It’s important to remain still.
Completion
Once the stress imaging is complete, the procedure is finished. The entire process typically takes about 3–4 hours from start to finish.
Risks from the Test
In encouraging this procedure, your doctor has evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of the test versus the benefits and risks of not proceeding. Your doctor believes there is a benefit to you having an EST.
The exposure to radiation from the radioactive drug is similar to that from other X-ray procedures, such as a CT scan.
FAQs
What is Lexiscan cardiolite nuclear stress test?
Cardiolite stress tests are extremely advantageous and have a significant role in diagnosing and treating heart diseases, like coronary artery disease, which is the primary cause of death in the United States.
What is the Lexiscan Stress test CPT Code?
It requires injecting medicine in your IV, and many people that pain. Other than that, there are side effects like headache, chest discomfort or chest pain, dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, a metallic taste in the mouth, flushing and feeling hot.
What is Lexiscan Test CPT Code?
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code is uniform coding system to offer medical services from the professionals. CPT code for a Lexiscan test, also known as a pharmacologic stress test using Regadenoson (Lexiscan), is 78452.
How accurate is a Lexiscan stress test?
Lexiscan test is pretty accurate compare to other stress test for evaluating myocardial perfusion and diagnosing coronary artery disease however there may maybe some cases where factors like technical errors affect its accuracy.
What is the Cost of Lexican Stress Test?
The average retail price of Lexiscan is $2281 for a supply of 5 ml, depending on the pharmacy you visit and your location.
Difference between Lexiscan and Nuclear Stress Test.
- A Lexiscan stress test is a type of nuclear stress test that uses the medication Regadenoson to induce stress on the heart by dilating the coronary arteries, simulating the effects of exercise.
- In contrast, a nuclear stress test can be performed either through physical exercise or pharmacologic agents like adenosine or dipyridamole in addition to Regadenoson.
- Both tests involve injecting a radioactive tracer to create images of the heart’s blood flow. Still, the Lexiscan test is specifically for patients who cannot exercise, while the broader nuclear stress test can accommodate those who can or cannot perform physical exercise.
How long does Lexiscan stay in your system?
Lexiscan (Regadenoson) stays in your body for a few hours. However, the medication levels in your blood drop after it’s injected, so the effects usually go away within a couple of hours.
What is Lexscan Mioview Stress Test?
A Myoview stress test is a nuclear imaging procedure that is used to diagnose coronary artery diseases and evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. It involves injecting a radioactive tracer called Myoview (technetium-99m tetrofosmin) into the bloodstream, allowing for detailed heart imaging. Initially, images are taken at rest, followed by a stress phase where the heart is subjected to increased workload through physical exercise on a treadmill or, for those unable to exercise, via pharmacologic agents like adenosine, dipyridamole, or Regadenoson.
Do you want to learn about your heart health but fear traditional physical stress tests?
Don’t worry!
With advanced healthcare practices, you do not have to run on a treadmill to perform a successful heart health test.
Sounds like a relief, right?
That’s precisely the purpose of the Lexiscan stress test, a heart health assessment designed for people who can’t perform traditional physical stress tests.
Health professionals use this specific test to mimic the exercise effect and stimulate heart performance using a regadenoson (Lexiscan) drug.
This test aids medical personnel in monitoring the health performance of patients with limited mobility or underlying health conditions.
This guide will explain everything you need about the Lexiscan stress test. It will help you understand how it works, why it’s done, and what to expect so you can feel fully prepared and informed.
What is Lexiscan Stress Test?
Lexiscan is the brand name for Regadenoson, a medication used during cardiac stress tests.
It is a coronary vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, simulating the effects of physical exercise.
The Lexiscan Stress Test is a safe and effective sit-down test used to evaluate the condition of your coronary arteries.
Cardiologists recommend it when walking or exercising on a treadmill,
but this is not possible due to conditions like arthritis, poor physical conditioning, certain blood pressure medications, or the presence of devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.
Rest assured, this test is designed with your safety in mind.
It is also known as A Nuclear Sit down Stress Test or LEXI.
This test is particularly useful for patients unable to undergo traditional exercise stress tests due to physical limitations or health conditions.
Role of Lexiscan (Regadenoson) Drug in Test
The Lexiscan stress test is a safe and non-invasive procedure a cardiologist performs.
The cardiologist injects a Lexiscan medication into your IV (Intravenous) while closely monitoring your heart’s response.
This medication effectively replicates the heart’s response to exercise, making it a suitable choice for those unable to exercise or with limited capacity.
What is the Purpose of a Lexiscan Stress Test?
The primary purpose of the Lexiscan stress test is to show how well your heart performs when beating hard. Some heart diseases are easier to find when your heart is working hard to pump blood.
Here are the reasons why you should perform the Lexiscan stress test:
- Check the sufficient blood flow as activity level increases.
- Extent of a coronary artery blockage.
- Effectiveness of cardiac procedures to improve circulation.
- Understand the cause(s) of chest pain.
- Assessing the surgery risk with cardiac complications.
These are some of the crucial reasons cardiologists suggest this test for people with heart problems. It allows them to understand their heart condition and helps them with adequate processes and medication.
What do to: Before, During and After the Test?
The Lexiscan stress test will closely monitor the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and ECG.
If these vital signs reach critical levels, the monitoring nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will administer medication to counteract the effects of Lexiscan.
Hence, a patient must follow instructions before, during, and after the test to complete the imaging process smoothly.
Preparing the Patient for Test
- Fasting: Patients should not eat or drink anything except water for 4 to 6 hours before the test. This helps prevent interference with the imaging process.
- Medications: The patient needs to adjust or pause some specific medicines before the test. They should inform doctors about prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements.
- Clothing: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and shoes are recommended. Patients should not perform any physical activity. They may also be asked to wear a hospital gown.
- Caffeine Restrictions: Since caffeine can severely affect heart rate, patients are asked to avoid caffeinated beverages for at least 12 to 24 hours before the test.
During the Test
- Stay Calm: Try to stay calm and relaxed during the imaging process. The sensations, like shortness of breath or a warm feeling caused by the Lexiscan injection, are normal and temporary.
- Follow Instructions: Listen closely to the medical team’s guidance. They may ask you to change your breathing pattern and stay still during imaging.
- Communicate Discomfort: Inform the healthcare staff immediately if you feel severe discomfort or chest pain. They can take appropriate action to ensure your safety.
- Stay Still: You may be asked to remain still for several minutes during imaging. Movement can affect the clarity of the images being captured.
Post-test Precautions & Instructions
- Look for Side Effects: It’s normal to feel mild side effects like dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath immediately after the test. If they get worse, contact the health practitioner.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water will help the patient flush the radioactive tracer and Lexiscan from the body. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids after the test.
Resume Normal Activities: Most patients can return to their daily routine immediately after the test. However, if you feel fatigued or unwell, rest as needed.
Medication Instructions: If any medications were paused before the test, patients should ask their doctor when it’s safe to resume them.
Follow-Up Instructions: Patients may be advised to schedule a follow-up appointment with their doctor to discuss test results and any necessary next steps.
These are some of the crucial reasons cardiologists suggest this test for people with heart problems. It allows them to understand their heart condition and helps them with adequate processes and medication.
Benefits of Doing Lexiscan Stress Test
Lexiscan is the brand name for Regadenoson, a medication used during cardiac stress tests.
It is a coronary vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, simulating the effects of physical exercise.
Side Effects from Stress Test with Lexiscan
- Lexiscan patients experience that the Lexiscan injection may cause a sensation of warmth and flushing.
- During the test, your breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating are usually increased.
- If you experience chest pain, headache, nausea, dizziness, or excessive shortness of breath, immediately notify the stress lab staff.
These symptoms are common and usually disappear within 3-4 minutes.
Imaging Process
- Nuclear Tracer Injection: Right after the Lexiscan injection, another injection of the Nuclear Tracer will be given for a second set of images.
- Treadmill Walk: You may be asked to walk on a treadmill slowly without any incline. This can reduce Lexiscan symptoms and improve the quality of the second set of images.
- Post-Injection Monitoring: Your EKG and blood pressure will be monitored 5 minutes after the Lexiscan injection. Once your vital signs return to baseline, you will be released to the waiting room for the final set of images.
Post-Test Instructions
- EKG Leads: The EKG leads will remain in place for the stress imaging portion. Please do not remove them.
- Eating and Drinking: You may now eat, drink, or take any medications. There are no further restrictions.
- Waiting Time: The waiting time for the stress images is about 45–75 minutes after the stress test.
- Stress Imaging: During stress imaging, wires are attached to 3 EKG leads. Your heart rate will be used to format pictures, taking about 10-15 minutes. It’s important to remain still.
Completion
Once the stress imaging is complete, the procedure is finished. The entire process typically takes about 3–4 hours from start to finish.
Risks from the Test
In encouraging this procedure, your doctor has evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of the test versus the benefits and risks of not proceeding. Your doctor believes there is a benefit to you having an EST.
The exposure to radiation from the radioactive drug is similar to that from other X-ray procedures, such as a CT scan.
FAQs
What is Lexiscan cardiolite nuclear stress test?
Cardiolite stress tests are extremely advantageous and have a significant role in diagnosing and treating heart diseases, like coronary artery disease, which is the primary cause of death in the United States.
What is the Lexiscan Stress test CPT Code?
It requires injecting medicine in your IV, and many people that pain. Other than that, there are side effects like headache, chest discomfort or chest pain, dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, a metallic taste in the mouth, flushing and feeling hot.
What is Lexiscan Test CPT Code?
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code is uniform coding system to offer medical services from the professionals. CPT code for a Lexiscan test, also known as a pharmacologic stress test using Regadenoson (Lexiscan), is 78452.
How accurate is a Lexiscan stress test?
Lexiscan test is pretty accurate compare to other stress test for evaluating myocardial perfusion and diagnosing coronary artery disease however there may maybe some cases where factors like technical errors affect its accuracy.
What is the Cost of Lexican Stress Test?
The average retail price of Lexiscan is $2281 for a supply of 5 ml, depending on the pharmacy you visit and your location.
Difference between Lexiscan and Nuclear Stress Test.
- A Lexiscan stress test is a type of nuclear stress test that uses the medication Regadenoson to induce stress on the heart by dilating the coronary arteries, simulating the effects of exercise.
- In contrast, a nuclear stress test can be performed either through physical exercise or pharmacologic agents like adenosine or dipyridamole in addition to Regadenoson.
- Both tests involve injecting a radioactive tracer to create images of the heart’s blood flow. Still, the Lexiscan test is specifically for patients who cannot exercise, while the broader nuclear stress test can accommodate those who can or cannot perform physical exercise.
How long does Lexiscan stay in your system?
Lexiscan (Regadenoson) stays in your body for a few hours. However, the medication levels in your blood drop after it’s injected, so the effects usually go away within a couple of hours.
What is Lexscan Mioview Stress Test?
A Myoview stress test is a nuclear imaging procedure that is used to diagnose coronary artery diseases and evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. It involves injecting a radioactive tracer called Myoview (technetium-99m tetrofosmin) into the bloodstream, allowing for detailed heart imaging. Initially, images are taken at rest, followed by a stress phase where the heart is subjected to increased workload through physical exercise on a treadmill or, for those unable to exercise, via pharmacologic agents like adenosine, dipyridamole, or Regadenoson.
