Nuclear stress testing analyzes heart function while your heart is at rest and under controlled stress. It helps identify abnormal heart structure and function, and can detect arrhythmia and ischemia with greater detail than routine EKG alone.
Your cardiologist may recommend this test when symptoms are difficult to diagnose with other methods, or when you have risk factors such as family history and need early detection before symptoms escalate.
Tiny safe amounts of radioactive tracer circulate through your bloodstream. Specialized imaging cameras detect tracer signals and create detailed images of blood flow and heart muscle performance.
After tracer injection and a short uptake period, baseline images are captured. You then walk on a treadmill or pedal a bike until target heart rate is reached. If exercise is not possible, medication can simulate exercise effects for stress imaging.
Questions about Nuclear Stress Test or ready to get started? Contact our office to schedule at the location most convenient for you.