There are two parts to this test, during which providers take two sets of images. During a pharmacological nuclear stress test, healthcare providers: Inject a radiotracer into a vein in your arm or hand. Take one set of images to determine how your heart's blood vessels function at rest.
At peak exercise, you will be given a second injection of radioactivity. You will then return to nuclear medicine for the stress images. These images will show the blood flow to the heart at the time of peak exercise, even though you have recovered from the exercise.
A stress test is an assessment done in two parts. In a very controlled situation, the heart is stressed using either exercise on a treadmill or a chemical injection, depending on the status of the individual getting the test.
A radioactive substance, such as thallium or sestamibi, will be injected into one of your veins. You will lie down and wait for between 15 and 45 minutes. A special camera will scan your heart and create pictures to show how the substance has traveled through your blood and into your heart.
While stress testing can be performed in a variety of ways, more commonly performed and widely available are exercise electrocardiography (EKG) and exercise or pharmacological stress testing along with imaging such as echocardiography or radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (rMPI).
There are two parts to this test, during which providers take two sets of images. During a pharmacological nuclear stress test, healthcare providers: Inject a radiotracer into a vein in your arm or hand. Take one set of images to determine how your heart's blood vessels function at rest.
The angiogram and cardiac catheterization are the most definitive tests, better than a nuclear stress test, but both use significant radiation, and the cardiac catheterization uses a large catheter in the artery, which can cause complications.
How Long Does a Nuclear Stress Test Take? Typically, your appointment will take about 2-4 hours. Some of this time is spent in preparation for the test, and in waiting for the tracer in the bloodstream to be taken up by the heart.
The test can show the size of the heart's chambers, how well the heart is pumping blood, and whether the heart has any damaged or dead muscle. Nuclear stress tests can also give doctors information about your arteries and whether they might be narrowed or blocked because of coronary artery disease.
Both evaluate how your heart performs under stress. But a nuclear stress test is a more advanced method that provides more detailed information. An exercise stress test uses only an EKG to monitor your heart while you're resting and then exercising. But a nuclear stress test includes images of your heart.
You are also given medicine (local anesthetic) to numb your throat. This helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure. An exercise stress test measures how your heart deals with the stress of physical activity.
They're Not Stressful
Stress in fact means putting additional expectations on the heart – this could be by simply walking on a treadmill, not running a marathon.
A nuclear stress test is an advanced diagnostic tool for finding the cause of new or worsening chest pain, stratifying risk for heart disease, deciding how well treatment is progressing, and/or evaluating recovery after a heart attack. Most of the stress tests performed by Heart House physicians are done in the office.
Your target heart rate during a stress test depends on your age. For adults, the maximum predicted heart rate is 220 minus your age. So, if you're 40 years old, the maximum predicted heart rate is 220 – 40 = 180.
The Nuclear Medicine Stress Test takes approximately four hours to complete. You are encouraged to bring a book, or some other means to pass the time quietly. You will be able to drive yourself home after the test is completed. Wear loose comfortable clothing with walking or tennis shoes.
Medicare Coverage for Nuclear Stress Tests
Medicare Part B coverage will help cover these tests if it is deemed medically necessary under certain circumstances. If your physician orders the nuclear stress test in order to diagnose or rule out illness, Medicare will pay for the screening.
The word radioactive is a bit scary and can lead one to wonder, “Is a nuclear stress test safe for the elderly?” Yes, the amount of radioactivity a person is exposed to during a nuclear stress test is the same amount as a chest x-ray and is no cause for concern.
A person should not have a nuclear stress test if they have low heart attack risk and no symptoms of heart issues.