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Nuclear Stress Test

Hendrick Diagnostic Testing is dedicated to cardiac imaging. Our nuclear stress lab offers patients the latest advancements in diagnostic testing for heart and vascular disease. At Hendrick Diagnostic Testing, nuclear stress tests are performed daily under the supervision of a board-certified cardiologist, and studies are interpreted by cardiologists and radiologists with advanced training in nuclear cardiology and cardiac imaging. We perform state-of-the-art procedures to evaluate the heart's structure and vascular vessels of the body.

What is a nuclear stress test?

A cardiac (heart) nuclear study is a test that uses a small dose of radioactive isotope to track blood flow to the heart muscle and to evaluate heart function. A treadmill stress test evaluates your heart’s response to physical activity through the monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiograms while you exercise on a treadmill. When the two tests are combined, an assessment can be made of the status of the blood supply to your heart at rest, as well as during stress. This can provide your doctor with information regarding whether or not you have significant blockages in your heart arteries. The test also includes an assessment of the pumping function of your heart.

Common reasons to have this test:

  • To determine if coronary artery disease is present and if further studies and/or treatment are required
  • To evaluate progress following a major cardiac event (heart attack, heart surgery)
  • To evaluate whether a blockage found during an angiogram requires angioplasty
  • To follow the progress of documented coronary artery disease

Before your visit do not consume any caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, pop/soda), chocolate, or product containing caffeine for 24 hours before the test. DO NOT eat, drink or smoke after midnight the night before the test. Do not use body oils or body lotions the day of the test. Do not take your usual medications with water, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor or nurse. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the chest, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

The test

The entire test will take approximately four to six hours, although you will be walking on the treadmill for approximately 10 minutes of that time. An IV will be started in your arm, and a small dose of radioactive isotope will be injected. After this injection, you will be asked to wait approximately 45 minutes to allow this material to be taken up by your heart cells. After the 45-minute wait time, you will lie on a scanning table and a special camera (gamma camera) will be positioned close to your chest, and you will be asked to lie still. The gamma camera takes pictures of your heart. This part of the test takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The stress laboratory is equipped with a Philips ADAC Cardio MD dual head camera.

After the image session, a specially-trained nurse will place electrodes on your chest, and wires will be attached to the electrodes so that the electrocardiogram (ECG) can be monitored continuously during the test. In men, limited shaving of the chest may be required to assure good contact between the skin and the electrodes. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm so that your blood pressure can be measured before, during, and after exercise.

Exercise Nuclear Stress Test

You will then walk on a treadmill machine; the speed and incline will increase gradually. Your blood pressure will be checked intermittently and you will be asked if you are experiencing any symptoms. You will be encouraged to exercise for as long as you can. If you notice chest pain, dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness or leg fatigue, inform the nurse. Near the end of the stress test, you will receive another injection of a radioactive isotope so that blood flow to your heart during stress can be assessed. After stopping exercise, you will continue to be monitored until your heart rate and blood pressure return to pre-exercise levels. If you are unable to achieve your target heart rate, a medication called a stress agent may be given to simulate exercise.

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