The nuclear stress test is one of the most popular cardiac tests used to diagnose and monitor heart problems. This test is also named as myocardial perfusion imaging, cardiac PET (positron emission tomography), and cardiac SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography).
A myocardial perfusion imaging test is performed by injecting a small amount of radioactive substance called a tracer into the bloodstream. Patients’ blood vessels and heart muscles absorb this radioactive substance, making the structures of the heart and blood vessels more visible in the images taken by a special camera.
Let’s talk about everything you need to know about a nuclear stress test, including its types, purpose of the test, tips to prepare for the test,and test procedure.
Types of Nuclear Stress Tests
Nuclear stress tests can be classified based on imaging technologies used for the test and methods to stress the heart.
Based on the type of imaging technology used, a nuclear stress test can be divided into PET (positron emission tomography) test or SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) test.
Nuclear cardiac tests can be classified into exercise and pharmacological stress tests based on how to stress the heart. In an exercise stress test, the patient is asked to run a treadmill or ride a stationary bike to increase blood flow to the heart until the heart reaches its target value. A pharmacologic stress test uses medications to increase the blood flow to the heart and increase heart rate.
Purpose Of Nuclear Stress Test
Because the cardiac stress test can clearly show the blood flow to and around the heart, it is commonly used to diagnose and monitor coronary artery disease, a heart disease in which blood vessels are clogged.
Additionally, a cardiac stress test can determine how well your heart muscles are pumping the blood, identify poor blood flow, locate the blockage in arteries, and identify any damage to the heart (by heart disease).
People with trouble breathing, congestive heart failure, bundle branch block, and acute coronary syndrome can benefit from nuclear stress tests.
Preparation Tips for Nuclear Stress Test
There are some specific instructions that you must follow before your nuclear stress test to ensure an accurate result from the test. These instructions are as follows:
- Do not eat or drink anything at least 24 hours before the nuclear stress test. This also includes not drinking any beverages, especially caffeine-containing products. You may be allowed to drink some water.
- Abstain from smoking before the cardiac stress test.
- If you are taking certain necessary medications, such as oral diabetes medication, ask your doctor for specific instructions related to your medications. Your doctor may either ask you to skip certain medications before the test or change the dose.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes before your nuclear stress test.
What Is the Nuclear Stress Test Procedure Like?
During the first part of the nuclear stress test, your technician will insert an IV line into your arm to inject that tracer into your bloodstream. Within a few minutes, the tracer will reach the heart. Your technician will place electrodes (in the form of patches) on the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. To stick the patches to the skin, they may have to shave some of your hair.
Your technician will connect the patches to the EKG machine to measure the electrical activity of the heart. They will also put a cuff on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. You may be advised to lie on a table and stay still while the technician takes pictures with a special camera.
In the second part of the test, your doctor will instruct you to exercise on a treadmill or a stationary bike and keep exercising until you reach your target heart rate. Your technician will inject more tracers into your bloodstream and ask you to lie down on a table again to take the second set of images after the exercise.
If you have a medical problem that prevents you from running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, your doctor can inject medication into your arm to mimic an exercise condition.
Nuclear Stress Test in Irmo, South Carolina
If you think you are a candidate for a nuclear stress test and are looking for a reputable facility that offers diagnostic services, look no further than SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation. We have a team of highly trained and skilled providers who offer caring and compassionate primary care.
We also offer a wide range of diagnostic services, including nuclear stress tests and echocardiograms, so that our patients can receive all necessary services under one roof.Our caring and compassionate staff will make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed during your nuclear stress test or other diagnostic tests.
If you would like to make a one-on-one consultation with one of our providers, call us today at(803) 749-1111 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
