Nuclear Stress Testing

What is nuclear stress testing?

Nuclear stress testing aids in diagnosing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Your provider injects a radioactive substance into your bloodstream to make images of your blood vessels and heart more visible during a stress test. This procedure measures your heart’s function during exercise to detect poor blood flow or heart damage. 

Who is a candidate for nuclear stress testing?

After reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle, the Pinnacle Healthcare System team determines which cardiac test you’re a candidate for. 

You might need a nuclear stress test if a regular stress test shows irregularities or if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of heart disease. If you have coronary artery disease, a nuclear stress test helps establish your risk of a stroke or heart attack. 

How can I prepare for nuclear stress testing?

Follow your instructions to prepare for a nuclear stress test at Pinnacle Healthcare System. You might need to avoid food, drinks, smoking, and caffeine before the test and stop taking certain medications.

If you use an inhaler for asthma, bring it with you to your appointment, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don’t apply cream, oil, or lotion to your skin on the day of nuclear stress testing. 

What happens during nuclear stress testing?

During a nuclear stress test, your provider places a blood pressure cuff on your arm and applies sticky patches to your chest (sometimes your arms and legs, too) to record your heart’s electrical activity. They insert a needle into your vein to inject a radiotracer. This might feel cold as it enters your body. Be still while your specialist takes images of your heart.

You then walk on a treadmill, ride a stationary bike, or receive medicine that increases blood flow if you can’t exercise. Your specialist administers more radioactive material as your heart rate peaks and takes additional images of your heart. You might be asked to breathe into a tube to evaluate lung function during exercise. 

What can I expect afterward?

You can resume typical activities after nuclear stress testing (unless asked not to by your provider). The radioactive tracer exits your body through stool and urine. Drink plenty of water to help flush it out. 

The Pinnacle Healthcare System team discusses the results of your nuclear stress test to determine if you should start a new treatment, continue with your current treatment plan, or undergo further testing or a medical procedure to reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke. 

Find out if you’re a candidate for nuclear stress testing at Pinnacle Healthcare System by calling the office or booking a visit online today.