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If you develop symptoms of a heart problem, nuclear stress testing can help determine the cause. John Terzian, MD, FACC, and the team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, have extensive cardiac testing facilities onsite, so you can undergo procedures like stress testing without any inconvenience. Call Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, to ask for more information about nuclear stress tests, or use the online booking form to schedule an appointment.
Nuclear Stress Test Q & A
What is a nuclear stress test?
Nuclear stress testing allows the Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, team to assess and diagnose cardiac symptoms accurately. It provides a detailed picture of blood flow and gives Dr. Terzian greater insight so he can develop an appropriate treatment plan.
During a nuclear stress test, your provider injects you with a small amount of Cardiolite® (sestamibi) radioactive material. This tracer travels through your bloodstream, illuminating the blood and illustrating how it flows in and around the heart.
When would I need a nuclear stress test?
Dr. Terzian might recommend nuclear stress testing for patients at risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) or experiencing symptoms of CAD, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. You might also require a nuclear stress test if you’ve already had a CAD diagnosis, have had a procedure to insert stents, or undergone heart bypass surgery.
Nuclear stress testing can identify reduced blood flow or ischemia in the heart muscle as well as assessing the heart’s overall function. It’s especially useful if you struggle with traditional exercise stress testing because you can do it with medication rather than on a treadmill.
What happens during nuclear stress testing?
The first stage in nuclear stress testing is injecting the radiotracer into your blood. You have an intravenous (IV) line in your arm that sends the tracer into your bloodstream, then you wait while the tracer circulates to your heart.
Your provider places adhesive patches fitted with electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. They connect the electrodes to an electrocardiogram machine and place an inflatable cuff around your arm to monitor your blood pressure. You lie on a treatment table, and a special camera shows the blood circulating through your heart.
You may need to exercise or take medication to simulate the effects of exercise so Dr. Terzian can compare your heart at rest and under stress. He might inject more radiotracer if needed.
Patients can usually return to normal activities after nuclear stress testing. However, drinking plenty of fluids is important to flush the radiotracer out of your body. You may be tired and dizzy or develop a headache after nuclear stress testing, but these problems will soon go with rest.
Learn more about nuclear stress testing by calling Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, today. You are also welcome to book a consultation by phone or online.