Does any one know why cardiologist wants me to not have any caffeine or nicotine within 24 hours of stresstest

Question

I am type 2 diabetic with "brut heart beat" and main doc thinks I have had Silent Ischemia. Blood pressure tiny bit above normal, Cholesterol numbers in normal ranges.

I admit to being caffeine addict! Won't this stress me more?

Answer 1

Caffeine and nicotine are vasoconstrictors. These stimulants will cause the blood vessels to constrict or become smaller. The reason why the doctor wants you to not have them before the stress test is because they can effect the results of the test.

A stress echo is done to determine if there are any blockages in the coronary arteries that are causing reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (this is called ischemia). If you consume caffeine or nicotine before the exam it can cause the test to be inaccurate because the stimulants can restrict the blood vessels making it appear that you have a blockage when you really may not. It's also possible for nicotine or caffeine to make a possible heart condition worse. (Example if you already have a blockage, consuming caffeine and undergoing a stress test could lead to a possible complications.) These stimulants can also cause periodic arrhythmia's which can also effect the results of the test.

There may also be a drug interaction with the caffeine and nicotine if the doctor does a drug induced stress test instead of an exercise stress test.

Please follow your doctor's orders before the stress test. They are given to keep you safe and prevent complications. If you have any concerns talk to your cardiologist.

Answer 2

Mainly, because, the caffeine and nicotine can increase your heart rate. During a stress test, it is important that the reading be based on what your heart rate is without stimulants ( caffeine & nicotine). In addition, sometimes, the Doc may decide to do a Persantine thallium stress test, which will stimulate or increase your heart rate. I hope that this helps. Here's a website:
http://www.advocatehealth.com/luth/services/heart/diagnostic/persantineThalliumTest.html

Answer 3

Caffeine and Nicotine are both stimulants that can affect the outcome of a stress test. Your body will react differently with the addition of the stimulants than it will without.

Answer 4

The test is supposed to show if your blood vessels are clogged or hardened and how much your blood pressure rises from the exercise. Caffiene raises your pulse rate and also causes you to loose water, and nicotene causes your blood vessels to constrict. Together, these effects can substantially raise your blood pressure, which make the results of the test difficult to interpret.

Answer 5

It affects your heart rhythm and will cause invalid results on the stress test.

Answer 6

It accelerates your heart rate.....