Nuclear Stress Testing

The most common reason to have a stress test is to screen for narrowing in the arteries to the heart (coronary artery disease or CAD). This can be done with a standard stress EKG treadmill test. However your doctor may order a nuclear stress test. In these tests a tiny amount of a radiopharmacutical is injected via a vein in the hand. The most common drugs used are Thallium and Cardiolyte®.

The stress portion is the same as a standard stress test. Before walking on the treadmill the technician will perform a scan of the heart at rest. This allows for evaluation of the blood flow to the heart. While walking on the treadmill a second injection is made and after exercise a repeat scan is made to compare the resting scan to the exercise scan.

If there is a prior heart attack or poor blood supply to the heart the scans will show areas where there will be less of the tracer and therefore a defect.

If there is an abnormality your doctor may recommend medication or may recommend a cardiac catheterization.

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