Persantine Protocol: A Non-Treadmill Stress Test

Persantine, which is the brand name for dipyridamole, is a vasodilatator that binds to the adenosine receptors in the body. The Persantine protocol refers to a medical procedure intended to check the amount of stress one can take, and it is used as an alternative to the traditional treadmill test.

Identification

• The protocol begins with placing the electrodes on your body. Next, you will be administered the substance intravenously. You must wait a few minutes, and then medical staff will measure your body's reaction--especially the heart--to dipyridamole. Finally, you will be injected with technetium (99mTc) sestamibi, a radioactive substance needed in the computer imaging process.

Significance

• A Persantine stress test, combined with myocardial perfusion imaging, is administered to individuals who are unable to preform a standard treadmill stress test.

Warning

• Inform the medical stuff if you feel any symptoms such as nausea or headache as soon as symptoms arise. A nurse will administer aminophylline to reduce these side effects.