MRI and beta blocker

[Heartmum56]

Have just got an appointment through for a cardiac MRI perfusion test. They have told me to stop the beta blocker for 48 hrs before. Is that normal? I thought we were not supposed to come off suddenly? And if the tests on Monday morning does that mean I take it on Saturday morning or not?

[Jeaniebeanie1]

It's a straight forward test and is painless.

[Rachmaninov2]

I am having a Cardiac Dobutamine Stress Echo test on Thursday and have been told to stop taking Bisoprolol (beta blocker) 48 hours beforehand as they interfere with the results. So I was told to stop today (Tuesday) and tomorrow, and to take Thursdays tablet with me to the hospital when I would be given it after the procedure. I was told this by a member of the team who are carrying out the test. Perhaps ring your Cardiology Dept. for clarification.

[Happyrosie]

My husband had this done a few weeks ago. It’s because during the tests they artificially increase your pulse rate. Your normal pulse is brought down by your b-blocker, so they need it to be ‘normal’ first.