Nuclear Stress Test find out more about nuclear stress test
What is nuclear stress test?
A nuclear stress test shows how well blood flows into the heart when it is at rest and during activity. A radioactive dye is injected into a vein and allows images to be taken that show how blood flows through the bloodstream and into the heart muscle. While the patient is reclined on a table, a camera is used to record images.
The scans are recorded when the heart rate is elevated and again when it is at rest. This allows the cardiologist to compare how well blood flows to the heart when the body is at rest, versus when it is active.
In comparison to the standard treadmill stress test, a nuclear stress test is more accurate and provides additional information.
How can it help doctors?
When a doctor is diagnosing a patient's heart, or determining whether certain treatments are effective, some tests need to be carried out. The nuclear test can give the doctor vital information regarding:
- the size of the chambers in the heart
- how well the heart is pumping blood
- the heart itself, whether any of it, for example muscle, is damaged
- the health of arteries that provide blood to the heart (coronary arteries), whether they have narrowed or are blocked due to coronary artery disease
- how effective a current treatment has been (heart surgery, angioplasty, medications, etc.)
- what to expect after having a heart attack.
The test may also help the doctor determine whether the patient is suitable for a cardiac rehabilitation program, and if so, how hard he/she should exercise.