Stress Muga
A stress muga measures how well the heart pumps at rest and during
exercise. It also shows the size and shape of your heart and the motion of
the heart walls. A very small amount of radioactive dye will be given and x-
ray pictures are taken to show your heart. Your body will get rid of the
radioactive dye on its own.
If you have any allergies to medicines, foods or other things, tell the
staff before the test.
If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or think you might be, tell the staff
before the test.
You are to have:
An Exercise Stress Muga. Bring walking shoes and loose-fitting clothing
so you can move easily. You can wear a hospital gown.
The test takes
about 2 hours.
A Medicine Stress Muga. The test takes about 3-4 hours.
Arrive on time for your test.
To Prepare
• Do not eat solid foods 4 hours before your test.
• You may drink water but do not drink liquids with caffeine. Caffeine is
in regular and decaf coffee or tea, chocolate, and soft drinks.
• Do not smoke for at least 4 hours before the test.
• Ask your doctor if you should take your medicines the day before and the
morning of the test.
• You may use your nitroglycerin tablets or spray for chest pain as needed.
• Bring a list of your medicines. Be sure to include any prescriptions and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbs you take.
During the Test
• You will be asked to change into your exercise clothes or a hospital
gown.
• An IV (intravenous) is put in a vein in your arm. A blood sample is