Your doctor can recommend a nuclear test to evaluate your risk of a heart attack or diagnose coronary artery disease. The test can be ordered after a resting electrocardiogram does not indicate any issue. In most cases, the nuclear stress testing Port Saint Lucie specialists recommend the test to determine the reason behind cardiac symptoms. The test is painless and non-invasive and involves radioactive dye injected into your blood. You then engage in some activity to indicate how well the blood flows to your heart muscles. Here is more information about the test.
Overview
Nuclear stress involves using a radioactive material injected into your blood and an imaging machine that shows how your blood flows through your heart muscles by creating pictures. The test will determine your blood flow at rest and during activity. It can show damaged areas in your cardiovascular system or areas with poor blood flow. The test can be done after a regular exercise stress test to provide more information, or it can be the initial stress test employed.
Reasons for Nuclear Stress Test
A nuclear stress test is mainly recommended when you have symptoms of heart disease like shortness of breath and chest pain. It can also be ordered to guide treatment after a heart condition is diagnosed. Generally, your doctor can recommend a nuclear stress test to diagnose coronary artery disease since your coronary arteries are your heart’s leading suppliers of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. The condition is mainly due to cholesterol, and other deposits build-up, which will be identified as areas of reduced blood flow.
A nuclear stress test can also be necessary to help your doctor determine a treatment plan when you are diagnosed with coronary artery disease. The test will show your doctor how well the treatment is working.
Preparations for the Test
Your doctor will give you special instructions about getting ready for a nuclear stress test. You might have to fast before your appointment, involving not smoking. Also, you might have to avoid caffeine the day before and the day of the test. Your doctor will also advise you if it is safe to take some medications and treatments for other health complications. If you use an inhaler for breathing problems like asthma, you must bring it to the appointment. Your doctor can ask you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and skip lotion, oil, or cream on your skin.
What You Can Expect
An IV line will be set into your arm to inject the radiotracer, which might feel cold when first injected. Your provider will take the first set of images while you remain still and your heart is at rest. The provider will then stick electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs, connected to an electrocardiogram. Your physical activity will increase your heart rate and the physician will be able to observe your blood flow. The test can be stopped when you experience dizziness, abnormal heart rhythm, abnormally low or high blood pressure, severe shortness of breath, and moderate to severe heart pain.
Results
Your doctor will discuss the nuclear stress test results and direct you accordingly. Ensure you ask relevant questions to understand the results and your diagnosis.
Get in touch with the TLC Medical Group Inc specialists for a nuclear stress test if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or other symptoms indicating a cardiovascular problem. You can make a call or use the online platform to set up your appointment.
