How to prepare for your heart scan
What to do 24 hours before the test:
You must call our office to confirm your appointment. You must notify our office if you suspect you are pregnant.
You must stop taking beta blockers or Theophylline. Examples of beta blockers are Toprol, Sotalol, Metoprolol/Lopressor, Atenolol/Tenormin, and Inderal/Propanotol.
You must stop eating or drinking anything that contains caffeine. Please click here for examples of foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Some of them may surprise you.
Please note: It is extremely important to stop beta blockers and caffeine at least 24 hours before your test is scheduled. Otherwise we will have to reschedule your test, because caffeine and beta blockers affect the results of the heart scan.
If you are scheduled for a scan the next morning: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
What to do on the day of the test:
If you are scheduled for afternoon testing, you may have toast and juice for breakfast 4 hours or more before the test.
Take your medicines with a sip of water.
Do not take any headache medicines that contain caffeine. For example, Excedrin, Anacin, or prescription drugs. Please click here for more examples of drugs that contain caffeine. There may be some you didn’t know about.
Do not smoke 2 hours before the test or during the break.
Wear a loose shirt or blouse that buttons down the front, with comfortable pants and walking shoes.
Do not wear one-piece clothing, such as jumpsuits, overalls, dresses, or full slips.
Do not wear underwire bras or anything with metal buttons.
