This cardiovascular diagnostic method employs a pharmaceutical agent, specifically adenosine or regadenoson (Lexiscan), to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart. It is utilized to assess blood flow to the heart muscle, particularly in individuals who are unable to undergo a traditional exercise stress test due to physical limitations or other medical conditions. The process involves injecting the agent, which widens the coronary arteries, followed by cardiac imaging, typically with a nuclear tracer, to reveal areas of reduced blood flow that may indicate coronary artery disease.
Its significance lies in providing valuable diagnostic information about the presence and extent of coronary artery disease, enabling physicians to make informed decisions regarding patient management. Benefits include a non-invasive means of assessing cardiac function, a relatively short testing duration, and the ability to visualize areas of ischemia (reduced blood flow) with high accuracy. Historically, this pharmacologic stress test has become an important alternative to traditional exercise stress testing, expanding the accessibility of cardiac evaluations to a broader patient population.
