Nuclear Stress Testing
Nuclear stress testing takes 3 to 4 hours. A technician will attach electrodes to your chest and back to monitor your heart function throughout the test. An echocardiogram will first be taken while you are resting. Then another echocardiogram will be taken while you are using a treadmill. A small dose of a radioactive isotope (or radionuclide) will be administered to you intravenously. The technician will continue to monitor your heart until it reaches the maximum predicted heart rate for your age. As you exercise, the heart muscle will be observed to confirm whether it is receiving normal blood flow. Images also will be taken after the exercise portion of your test.
Once your test is complete, your doctor will review the results and discuss them with you.
If you are going to have a nuclear stress test, do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before the test. Except for beta blockers, you may take all your medications as prescribed on the day of the procedure. Ask your doctor if you should avoid taking any other medicines or stimulants and if you should refrain from tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol on the day before the the test.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to exercise freely but that will not interfere with the treadmill.
After the test, you can resume your usual activities.
There are no known side effects from or allergic reactions to the radionuclides you receive during your nuclear stress test. On rare occasions, however, cardiac arrest may occur in some people who are using the treadmill during the test. To ensure your safety, your doctor will approve you for the test. A qualified healthcare provider also will supervise you and monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythms during the procedure. If an emergency occurs, the cardiac team will treat you immediately.
If you have questions about your nuclear stress test, please be sure to ask your doctor.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 908-277-8709.
