A nuclear stress test is a type of image-guided diagnostic test that doctors use to determine the status of your heart and blood flow. If your doctor suspects you have a heart condition or heart disease, he may recommend you undergo a nuclear stress test, especially if a routine stress test proves inconclusive. The benefits of a nuclear stress test are many, and include –
Determining Risk
Doctors use nuclear stress test to reveal areas of concern regarding blood flow to your heart. Aided by a radioactive dye, the nuclear stress test measures blood flow while you are at rest, and then again after exertion. A nuclear stress test may be recommended along with other diagnostic tests to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Determining Severity
Nuclear stress tests not only indicate whether you have a heart condition, they can reveal the severity of that condition. Your doctor does this by using the data gathered from the test to devise a treatment plan that is right you.
Gauging Effectiveness
A nuclear stress test provides your doctor the information he needs to determine if your current course of treatment is working so that he may make adjustments, if necessary, to ensure the best, most effective care.
Deep Diagnostics
A nuclear stress step is able to determine your physical condition from the inside. That’s because safe radioactive dye is injected into your bloodstream; that dye is traced by a camera to pick up the images of your blood flow. The information is contrasted to imagery of you at rest and after your heart rate and blood pressure increase to get a clear picture of how well your heart is working.
Enhanced Accuracy
Compared to other options, a nuclear stress test produces more accurate results. The dye injected into your bloodstream helps doctors find out which specific area may have a problem – something that other diagnostic tests may not be able to do.
They’re Not Stressful
Most stress tests will require you to move, but don’t let the word “stress” stress you out. Stress in fact means putting additional expectations on the heart – this could be by simply walking on a treadmill, not running a marathon. The goal is simply for the patient to increase his heart rate and blood flow more than it would be at rest.
Options for the Infirmed or Injured
Whether it’s due to injury or illness, not everyone is capable of physical movement; in such cases, there’s another option. Doctors can induce “stress” by giving patients medication to increase the heart rate.
Non-Invasive and Low-Risk
Nuclear stress tests are non-invasive and are considered low risk, meaning complications are unlikely to arise. The dye that technicians use is not harmful and, in most cases, will leave your body naturally through your urine within 24 hours.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Care in The Midlands
Doctors rely on nuclear stress tests to produce the clear, accurate images required to ensure a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. If are in South Carolina and require an accurate diagnosis, reach out to SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, where our expert providers are committed to your good health and well being. In addition to nuclear stress tests, we provide a variety of comprehensive, effective and leading edge services, to include sleep studies and weight loss management. If you are in The Midlands and seeking comprehensive general internal medicine for adults, call us at (803) 749-1111 or make an online.
