Two types of agents are used:

1. Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging agent (either Technetium-99 or Thallium)
   • allows measurement of blood flow through myocardium
2. Pharmacologic stress agent (Adenosine or Dipyridamole [Persantine])
   • induce coronary vasodilation increasing coronary flow rates
     • in normal coronary arteries, blood flow increases
     • in an artery with stenosis there is already dilatation at rest and no further increase in blood flow can occur
       • there is a lack of increased flow seen by perfusion imaging

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.