Pharmacological Cardiac MRI Stress Test: Regadenoson

The MRI will take at least an hour to perform. When you arrive in the MRI suite, you will be placed in a gown and be asked to complete an MRI safety checklist. A baseline 12 lead EKG and blood pressure will be obtained prior to the scan. During the test, you will need to hold still and will be asked to hold your breath intermittently.

The test consists of a resting MRI scan, an infusion of a small dose of Regadenoson and a post infusion MRI scan. After the resting MRI scan, you will receive a small dose of Regadenoson through your IV. This medication will increase the blood flow through the arteries of the heart and will simulate the effects of exercise for patients that are unable to exercise adequately for a stress test. You may experience nausea, dizziness, flushing, headache, increased heart rate during the administration of the medication.

A small amount of MRI dye (Gadolinium) will be administered through your IV after the medication and your heart will be scanned a second time. Your EKG and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test. After the MRI scan another 12 lead EKG will be obtained.

Although extremely rare, risks associated with this test include low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular or fast heart beats, dizziness, nausea, headache, flushing, heart attack and cardiac arrest; all of which may or may not require medical treatment. In the event that you should experience any of the above symptoms, the MRI suite is equipped and staffed by medical personnel trained to treat these conditions.

1. Do not eat for 3 – 4 hours before the test. Diabetics may have a light breakfast of juice and toast 2 hours before the test.
2. Do not consume any caffeine-containing products for 12 hours before your test, including coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, decaf tea, soda or chocolate.
3. Please bring a list of your medications.
4. Take all of your medications with sips of water unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
5. If you are allergic to contrast dye/iodine, notify the physician or nurse.
6. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Do no wear any jewelry as this could cause interference with the scan.
7. Some scanners have an iPod dock to listen to music. You may bring an iPod to listen to during the scan.
8. The results of your test will be forwarded to your cardiologist or physician. The doctor will review the results with you.