Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test

When you have unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath, you may need a cardiac nuclear stress test to identify what’s causing your symptoms. The Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute in Riverview, Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Wesley Chapel and Plant City, Florida, offers advanced technologies to accurately confirm coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions, such as stress testing. Test results also provide important details about your heart health so the cardiology team can create your treatment plan. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to find out if you’re a candidate for a cardiac nuclear stress test, or book an appointment online today.

What is a cardiac nuclear stress test?

A cardiac nuclear stress test is a diagnostic imaging method to evaluate how well blood flows into the heart muscle during activity and when you’re at rest.

Testing uses a tracer, a small amount of radioactive material, that travels through your heart that’s picked up on imaging technology. Cardiac nuclear stress testing can identify heart damage and areas where blood flow is poor.

Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute offers cardiac nuclear stress tests. Its experienced cardiology team uses the results from your test to learn more about the function of your heart. 

Why would I need a cardiac nuclear stress test?

You may be a candidate for cardiac nuclear stress testing if you have unusual symptoms that may relate to a heart condition, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.

Your cardiologist may also recommend a cardiac nuclear stress test if they suspect you have coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where diseased or damaged blood vessels prevent blood flow and deprive your body of oxygen, blood, and essential nutrients.

You may also need stress testing if you’re undergoing treatment for CAD so the team can see how well your treatment is working.

What can I expect during a cardiac nuclear stress test?

During your cardiac nuclear stress test, the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute team starts an intravenous (IV) line in your vein and injects the tracer into your bloodstream. As the tracer moves through your heart muscle, the team uses advanced technology to take images of your heart while you lie still on an exam table.

You then engage in physical activity, such as riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill, to increase your heart rate. Your provider injects more tracer into your IV when your heart rate peaks and takes a second set of images of your heart.

On the images of your heart, the radioactive tracer will highlight areas where blood isn’t flowing properly. The team reviews your test results to determine if you need additional care to diagnose or treat an underlying condition.

The tracer material leaves your body naturally as waste. Drinking extra water can flush the tracer material from your system.

Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a cardiac nuclear stress test, or book an appointment online today.