Nuclear Medicine Stress Test

Nuclear imaging uses radioactive materials in order to create images to evaluate organ function or localize heart ailments. A nuclear medicine stress test is similar to a standard treadmill stress test, but provides the doctor with additional information by using a radioactive isotope to see and evaluate coronary blood flow. Test results give the physician the same information as a standard treadmill stress test, plus can indicate which areas of the heart are not getting enough blood and oxygen, how quickly the heart recovers after exercise, irregular heart rhythms, or if the patient has had a previous heart attack.

An IV line is inserted to deliver an isotope during the exercise. Electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor and record electrical activity in the heart. The cardiologist will ask the patient to exercise on the treadmill, gradually increasing the speed and incline while analyzing changes in the electrical pattern of the heart. The test will be stopped if the patient becomes too tired, has any symptoms such as chest pain, or when the doctor feels enough information has been gathered. After the test, a special camera takes pictures of the heart to show specific areas that may not be receiving enough blood and oxygen.