What is Nuclear Stress Testing?

This test allows us to evaluate the flow of blood to the heart. We are able to find damage and to see areas that do not have an adequate blood supply. We also look at the overall pumping power of the heart (EF or “Ejection Fraction”).

How Does It Work?

A special tracer is injected through an IV and is taken up by healthy heart muscle. Heart muscle damaged by prior heart attacks or muscle that does not have a good blood supply due to blocked arteries (usually caused by coronary artery disease – CAD) do not take it up the tracer as well as healthy muscle. We use a special camera to detect the tracer. Computer programs allow us to create a three dimensional picture of the heart and it’s blood supply. Two sets of pictures are taken. One set is taken to look at blood flow at rest. (“rest images”). A second set is taken after stress testing (“stress images”). We often use a chemical for stress testing to avoid the need for patients to walk on a treadmill. Once the rest and stress images are finished you are free to go. We will use our computer system to create the three dimensional pictures of the heart that will help guide your care. A normal study usually indicates that a person is at low risk of having a heart attack or dying suddenly of heart disease. An abnormal study may indicate that more work is needed to achieve optimum heart health. This does not necessarily mean angioplasty, STENTing or bypass surgery. Lifestyle changes, exercise, diet and changes in medications are often enough to accomplish this goal.

What is Nuclear about the test?

The tracer we use contains a naturally occurring element called Technesium. We take advantage of the natural nuclear decay of Technesium to see blood flow. There is no nuclear reaction (“fission” or “fusion”) involved in the test. There is a small exposure to radiation – similar to that which you would get having a CT scan of the chest.

What Do I Need to DO?

On the day of the test:

• Do not have caffeine (coffee, tea or soft drinks containing caffeine)
• Do not eat for at least six hours prior to the “stress” portion of the test.
  • Do not eat after midnight if scheduled for a morning test
  • Do not eat after 730am if schedule for an afternoon test
• If diabetic and on insulin take ½ your normal morning insulin dose.
• If diabetic and taking pills make sure to take your usual dose.
• If you use an inhaler please bring it with you
• If you take Theophylene do not take it on the day of the test
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Bring food or a snack. We can keep it for you and you can eat as soon as the “stress” portion of the test is finished.
• Bring a book or reading material. The test will take several hours to complete.