Nuclear Stress Test

What is a Nuclear Stress Test?

A nuclear stress test evaluates how well your coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle during activity and at rest. It also measures how effectively your heart muscle is pumping.

The test involves two sets of images:

• Rest images – taken before exercising.
• Stress images – taken after exercising on a treadmill or receiving a medication that simulates exercise.

A small amount of radioactive solution (radioisotope) is injected to create the images. Special cameras detect the radioisotope and produce pictures of your heart, which doctors can compare to check for:

• Previous heart damage (such as after a heart attack).
• Blood flow problems that may indicate risk for future heart events.

Why a Nuclear Stress Test is Done

Your doctor may recommend a nuclear stress test if you:

• Have suspected coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.
• Experienced chest pain or shortness of breath that wasn’t fully explained by a standard stress test.
• Need guidance on treatment for an existing heart condition.

At Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care, our physicians combine expertise with advanced equipment and software to provide a full range of cardiac studies, including nuclear stress tests.

What to Expect During the Test

• Preparation: An IV line is started in your hand or arm. You receive the first radioisotope injection for the “rest” images.
• Monitoring: Sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest to monitor heart activity during exercise or medication infusion.
• Exercise or IV Medication: You may walk on a treadmill or receive a special IV medication if you cannot exercise. Heart activity is continuously monitored.
• Stress Imaging: A second radioisotope injection is given. You lie still under the camera as the images are recorded.
• Completion: Your results are compared to the rest images, helping your doctor determine how well your heart muscle and arteries are working.