Impact of exercise on regadenoson side effects during myocardial perfusion stress imaging

Objectives A new selective, A2A Adenosine receptor agonist is now available for pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion stress imaging. We hypothesized that the use of treadmill exercise might impact the side effects considered with this agent.

Methods 643 consecutive in patients and out patients underwent myocardial perfusion stress imaging of which 360 were female, mean age 66.8 ± 12.4, mean BMI 30.8 ± 7.5 and 126 had history of COPD/asthma.

Results There were no major side effects or malignant arrhythmias reported during stress test including no deaths. Major symptoms and parameters are described below in Table 1.

Conclusions Regadenoson appears to be safe and well-tolerated. Shortness of breath and palpitations seem to be less frequent when patients are able to exercise. A significant fall in blood pressure seems to be more common in patients who exercise.