Nuclear Stress Test Specialist

What is a nuclear stress test?

A nuclear stress test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the blood flow to your heart during activity and rest.

The providers at Heart Care Centers of Florida may recommend a nuclear stress test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain that can indicate underlying heart disease, such as coronary artery disease.

The results of a nuclear stress test can also help the interventional cardiologists develop a treatment plan for your symptoms and condition.

What happens during a nuclear stress test?

During a nuclear stress test, the physicians at Heart Care Centers of Florida will inject a radioactive tracer into your arm. It takes a few minutes for your heart to absorb the tracer. Next, the providers will take images of your heart while you lie on a table.

The cardiologists will then place electrodes on different areas of your body, including your chest and limbs, to record the electrical signals your heart produces during activity. You will start walking on a treadmill to increase your heart rate while the providers monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm.

If you’re unable to physically exercise, the physicians can administer a medication that increases the blood flow to your heart. Once you reach a target heart rate, the physicians take additional images of your heart and compare them with the initial pictures.

If you experience symptoms like dizziness, severe shortness of breath, or chest pain, the providers can stop the test.

What can I expect after a nuclear stress test?

The providers at Heart Care Centers of Florida can interpret the results of your nuclear stress test during your appointment.

If they discover an underlying cardiovascular issue that affects blood flow to your heart, the cardiologists will customize a plan to treat it. They may recommend medications, angioplasty, or open-heart surgery to improve blood flow to your heart.

You may also need to make lifestyle changes to support optimal heart health. The providers at Heart Care Centers of Florida can provide resources to help you quit smoking, lose weight, and improve your diet to prevent coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a nuclear stress test, call the Heart Care Centers of Florida office nearest to you or book a consultation online today.