A pharmacological stress test utilizing Lexiscan (regadenoson) is a diagnostic procedure employed in nuclear cardiology. It serves as a substitute for exercise stress testing in individuals unable to achieve adequate exertion on a treadmill or bicycle. The procedure involves administering a pharmaceutical agent that selectively stimulates coronary blood flow, mimicking the physiological effects of exercise on the heart. This induced stress allows clinicians to assess myocardial perfusion and identify potential areas of ischemia.
The primary importance of this type of stress test lies in its ability to evaluate cardiac function in patients with physical limitations that preclude traditional exercise testing. This non-exercise approach offers benefits by providing diagnostic information about coronary artery disease in a broader patient population. Historically, similar pharmacological agents were used, but regadenoson offers a more targeted and efficient mechanism of action, leading to fewer side effects and a shorter testing time.
