Lexiscan Cardiac Perfusion Test

A Lexiscan cardiac perfusion test (also known as a Lexiscan cardiac stress test) is an imaging stress test.

The test is used to help a doctor diagnose coronary heart disease, which is caused by narrowing or blocked coronary arteries.

Generally, cardiac perfusion imaging is done after an exercise (stress) test. For patients unable to exercise adequately, it may be done after an IV injection of a drug that mimics the effects of exercise on the heart. This drug is called lexiscan.

Images of the patient's heart are taken before and after the injection.

By comparing the rest and lexiscan images, a cardiologist can identify the areas of the heart muscle that have reduced (narrowed or blocked) blood flow.

This test takes approximately three hours, and is routinely done at AVH. For more information, please call (603) 326-5847