Nuclear Stress Test Overview
A nuclear stress 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 measures blood flow while you are at rest and during activity, showing areas with poor blood flow or damage in your heart.
A nuclear stress test is one of several types of stress tests. The radiotracer used during a nuclear stress test helps your doctor determine your risk of a heart attack or other cardiac event if you have coronary artery disease. A nuclear stress test may be done after a regular exercise stress test to get more information about your heart, or it may be the first stress test used.
Risks of Nuclear Stress Test
A nuclear stress test is generally safe. Complications are rare. As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications, which may include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Arrhythmias that occur during a stress test usually go away shortly after you stop exercising or the medication wears off. Life-threatening arrhythmias are rare.
- Heart attack. Although extremely rare, it’s possible that a nuclear stress test could cause a heart attack.
- Low blood pressure. Blood pressure may drop during or immediately after exercise, possibly causing you to feel dizzy or faint. The problem should go away after you stop exercising.
- Dizziness or chest pain. These symptoms can occur during a nuclear stress test. Some people also have nausea, shakiness, headache, flushing, shortness of breath and anxiety during the stress test. These signs and symptoms are usually mild and brief, but tell your doctor if they occur.
How you prepare
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your nuclear stress test.
- Food and Medication: You may be asked not to eat, drink or smoke for a period of time before a nuclear stress test. You may need to avoid caffeine the day before and the day of the test.
- Clothing and personal items: Wear or bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Don’t apply oil, lotion or cream to your skin on the day of your nuclear stress test.
You may not need further tests.
Part of your heart isn’t receiving enough blood when you’re exerting yourself. This might mean that you have one or more blocked arteries (coronary artery disease).
Part of your heart isn’t getting enough blood at all times, which could be due to severe coronary artery disease or a previous heart attack.
Areas of your heart that don’t show the radioactive tracer have damage from a heart attack.