Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear cardiac imaging is advanced testing now available close to home at Howard Memorial Hospital. A nuclear stress test is non-invasive and provides the clearest picture of your heart health so providers can pinpoint concerns before they become more serious. Expert care and technology that’s truly state-of-the-heart—trust the team at HMH to make sure your heart stays its healthiest. For information on how to schedule an appointment for a nuclear stress test, please talk with your primary care provider about a referral.
Technology that touches your heart
What to expect during a nuclear stress test
During a nuclear stress test, a technologist injects a small amount of a radioactive tracer into your bloodstream through a vein. This is very safe; the radiation does not harm your body or organs. The material is then traced in your heart so providers can see the blood supply to the heart muscle itself. This diagnostic test helps your provider determine if your heart is getting an adequate supply of blood to your heart muscle while you exercise. Providers monitor the blood supply to your heart muscle first while you rest and again after exercise. If you are unable to utilize the treadmill, a chemical stress agent is used to simulate exercise to ensure that the test may be completed successfully in all patients.
Your provider may recommend a nuclear stress test to:
- See if you’re at risk for heart disease or other disorders
- Decide how strenuously you can safely exercise during cardiac rehabilitation
- Develop a treatment plan
- Determine the effectiveness of a current cardiac treatment plan
