Patient Guide to Nuclear Cardiac Stress Tests

A nuclear cardiac stress test is a powerful tool used to see pictures of your heart at rest and after you have been stressed.  Nuclear Medicine test offer a way to collect medical information that may be difficult to get with traditional testing procedures.

A nuclear cardiac stress test provides information about circulation and heart function. A traditional ECG stress test measures only the heart's electrical activity. In comparison, a nuclear cardiac stress test shows the heart in action. This allows your doctor to see the blood flow to the heart.

A nuclear cardiac stress test is a heart imaging study that uses a small dose of a safe radioactive tracer to show how well blood flows through your heart muscle — both at rest and while your heart is working harder.

The results of the test indicate whether there is adequate blood flow to the heart, if any blood vessels are blocked, and whether the heart cells are functioning properly.

There are 2 different types of tests so you will need to know which one you are doing.

SPECT will normally take 2-3 hours. The technicians will guide you through the day and let you know what step of the process you are on.

PET/CT will normally take 45 - 60 minutes and all you have to do is lay down and relax.

No one is allergic to the imaging isotope. It is basically radioactive potassium. So having an iodine allergy will not matter.

DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATIONS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR DOCTOR. Bring any medications your normally take, so you can take them after the exam. Bring asthma inhalers if you have them.

Please avoid all caffeine and tobacco for 24 hours before your test. This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.

Please try not to eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to the test except water. If your blood sugar does drop and you are diabetic then please keep your sugar levels regular. Do not eat chocolate.

Dress for comfort and movement. Some people will be walking on the treadmill, so wear workout gear and shoes. Some people will be getting a medication. All patients will be getting a 12 lead EKG and stickers will be placed on your chest.

Ladies please do not wear bras with metal underwire or 1 piece garments such as a dress or body suits.

Please do not wear shirts with metal buttons or zippers.

Water and food. 1-2 bottles of water and a snack or lunch. We will let you know when you can eat. Bring any and all medications you take.

Check in with the office staff and listen for your name to be called. It is very important to be on time as the medication is timed and calibrated to your appointment time. Arrive about 10 minutes before your exam time

Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the medication out of your system.