What is a Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test?
A Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test is an imaging test used to show how blood is pumped to the heart during exercise and at rest. A nuclear stress test is one of several types of stress tests. It may be done after a regular exercise stress test, or it may be the first stress test used.
The test uses a positron emission technology (PET) scanner or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanner.
What is the purpose of a Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test?
A Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test helps find areas of poor blood flow or damage in the heart. If you have coronary artery disease, a nuclear stress test can help your healthcare provider learn your risk of a heart attack or other heart event. This will assist them in formulating the right treatment method for patients.
What happens before a Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test?
- You may have a light breakfast before the test but avoid consuming caffeinated drinks e.g., coffee, tea or chocolate 24 hours prior to the test.
- Seek your doctor's advice to see if you should avoid certain medications prior to the test. You are typically advised to stop Beta Blockers 24 hours before the test as they may interfere with the results of certain stress tests.
- If you use an inhaler, bring it to the test.
- Wear or bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes for the exercise test.
What happens during a Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test?
- Patients will have an IV line inserted into their veins prior to the start of the 'stress phase'. The 'stress phase' will typically involve the patient running on a threadmill.
- As they exercise, the patient will be monitored for signs of chest pains and electrocardiogram changes.
- Patients who are unable to exercise will be given medication to stress their heart, this will be combined with slow walking or sitting on the couch.
- Once the patient reaches their targeted heart rate, a radioactive substance will be injected into the IV line. The patient will then rest for around 1 hour before photos of their heart are taken.
- After 3 hours have passed, patients will proceed into the 'rest phase' and be given a second dose of radioactive substances before another set of photos are taken.
- Images captured during the two phases of study will be compared for any inadequacy of blood flow to the heart.
What happens after a Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test?
- When the test is complete, you may return to normal activities unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- The radioactive material will naturally leave your body in your urine or stool. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out the substances from your body.
- Avoid coming into close contact with pregnant women, young children or infants for the next 24 hours.
- You can resume medications that you have been asked to stop for the test.
- Your doctor will inform you if a follow-up test is needed.
Should you feel unwell after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately or call our 24-HR Medical Urgency Clinic at (65) 6705 2999.
