$Unique_ID{BRK02113}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Thallium Scan Exercise Test}
$Subject{exercise test thallium heart blood supply electrocardiogram
electrocardiograms ECG radiopharmaceutical radiopharmaceuticals radiochemical
radiochemicals scan tests circulation stress}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Thallium Scan Exercise Test


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QUESTION:  My husband will be going for an exercise test during which they are
to use something called "thallium".  He isn't too much on communicating his
health concerns to me, maybe it's the "macho" part of him I love so much, but
I am concerned.  Can you please describe how this tests works, and what they
might find?  Is there any danger in the test procedure itself?

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ANSWER:  The exercise test using "thallium" is an interesting insight on how
technology makes it possible to determine the status of the heart in new ways
never before possible.  An exercise test is usually conducted on a treadmill
in a hospital-based or outpatient laboratory.  The patient has several
electrodes attached to his chest that provide an ongoing look at his
electrocardiogram (ECG).  The ECG is both recorded on a permanent paper strip
as well as displayed on the monitor.  Along with the ECG tracings, both blood
pressure and pulse readings are taken.  The exercise on the treadmill puts the
heart under the same stressful conditions as work or exercise might, and the
ECG can reveal some problems that could develop.  However, the thallium makes
the test even more productive.  Thallium is a radiopharmaceutical preparation
that collects in heart muscle.  It is injected through a vein, usually just
before the exercise session begins.  A heart "scan" is then performed using a
special "camera" that can record the images of the heart created by the gamma
rays coming from the thallium.  Bright areas indicate a good blood supply to
the area, while darker areas reveal parts of the heart that are not receiving
all the blood they might require.  Imaging can take from 45 minutes to an
hour, and a second set is taken an hour or so after the exercise session to
provide a comparison.
     Hopefully your husband's test will show nothing, just normal circulation
in a normal functioning heart.  However, if poor circulation to an area of the
heart is discovered, a treatment strategy can be developed that can avert a
more serious situation.  There are no real dangers to taking the test and your
husband will be able to return to previous activities when it is finished.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.