Nuclear Stress Testing
Nuclear stress testing is a specialized in-office test used to determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs. The test uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) and an imaging machine to create pictures showing the blood flow to your heart.
The test allows the physician to see pictures of your heart showing blood flow while you are resting and shortly after you have exercised. It also provides information about the size of the heart’s chambers, how well the heart is pumping blood, and whether the heart has any damaged or dead muscle.
Nuclear stress testing can help identify and diagnose coronary artery disease and determine a proper treatment plan.
If you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, your physician may recommend a nuclear stress test. The test may take two or more hours, depending on the radioactive tracer and imaging tests used.