What is a Nuclear Stress Test?
This test combines exercise or medication-induced stress with a small amount of radioactive tracer and imaging to assess how well blood flows to your heart muscle during activity and rest. It identifies areas with poor circulation or prior heart damage.
This procedure helps to:
- Assess blood flow during exertion
- Detect blocked or narrowed arteries
- Evaluate effectiveness of prior treatments
- Monitor known heart disease
- Guide decisions for further interventions
What to expect after a Nuclear Stress Test?
Patients walk on a treadmill or receive medication to simulate stress while imaging is performed before and after. The test is safe and recovery is immediate.
- Injection of radioactive tracer
- Heart images captured at rest and under stress
- Monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure
- Mild fatigue afterward from exercise or medication
- Resume daily activities right after testing
