Your heart health is important to living a better and longer life. If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms you need to talk to your doctor about your heart health:
Moderate to severe chest pain
Severe shortness of breath
Abnormally high or low blood pressure
An abnormal heart rhythm
Dizziness
Fatigue
Certain changes in your electrocardiogram
If you suffer from the above listed, symptoms your doctor may order a nuclear stress test to determine if there is enough blood flow to your heart. A nuclear stress test can help in diagnosing coronary artery disease and detect heart rhythm problems. During the test, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill while your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored. If a patient is unable to perform physical activity to increase their heart rate, medications may be given to increase the heart rate for testing.
What are the benefits of a nuclear stress test?
Checks your heart function during physical activity.
Shows whether there are problems with blood flow.
Detects signs of heart disease or other heart problems.
How it works:
An injection is administered through the vein.
Your heart is scanned by a Nuclear Medicine scanner while you are reclined.
You will then walk on a treadmill (or a medicine may be given to you to increase your heart rate).
Your heart is scanned again to allow comparison between your heart at rest and your active heart.
Results are then provided to ordering physician.
Talk to your doctor about your heart health concerns and determine if a nuclear stress test is right for you.