Lexiscan Stress Test
The Lexiscan Nuclear 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.
Now, let’s go deep.
What are Stress tests?
The main motive of stress tests is to show how well your heart performs when it is beating hard. Some heart diseases are easier to find when your heart is working hard to pump blood. Stress tests involve monitoring your heart while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.
What is Lexiscan?
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. This is particularly useful for patients unable to undergo traditional exercise stress tests due to physical limitations or health conditions.
What is a Lexiscan Stress Test?
The Lexiscan stress test is a safe and non-invasive procedure performed by a cardiologist who 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.
The Lexiscan stress test is helpful to determine the following:
- If sufficient blood flows to the heart as activity levels increase.
- Extent of a coronary artery blockage.
- Likely the outcome of patients who have suffered a heart attack.
- Effectiveness of cardiac procedures aimed at improving circulation in the coronary arteries.
- Cause(s) of chest pain
- Assess the risk of surgery potentially causing cardiac complications.
Lexiscan Stress Test Procedure
During the Lexiscan stress test, your pulse, blood pressure, and ECG will be monitored closely. If these vital signs reach critical levels, the monitoring nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will administer medication to counteract the effects of Lexiscan.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 equires ingecting medicine in your IV and more may people that painful 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, but 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.
