You can use the railing on the treadmill for balance. The exercise gets more difficult as the test continues. If your nuclear test is combined with a traditional exercise stress test, you'll be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. Possible side effects may be similar to those caused by exercise, such as flushing or shortness of breath. If you can't exercise, your doctor will inject a medication into your IV line that increases blood flow to your heart. You may be asked to breathe into a tube during the test to show how well you're able to breathe during exercise. A cuff on your arm checks your blood pressure during the test. The electrodes have wires connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) machine, which records the electrical signals that trigger your heartbeats. Some areas may need to be shaved to help them stick. Then, a nurse or technician will place sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest, legs and arms. Once it does, you'll lie still on a table and have your first set of images taken while your heart is at rest. It takes a few minutes for your heart cells to absorb the radiotracer. The radiotracer may feel cold when it's first injected into your arm. During a nuclear stress testīefore you start the test, a nurse or technician inserts an IV line into your arm and injects the radiotracer (also called a radiopharmaceutical). Your doctor will also listen to your heart and lungs for any problems that might affect your test results. This helps determine the amount of exercise that's best for you during the test. Your doctor will ask you some questions about your medical history and how often and actively you exercise.
If you aren't able to exercise, you'll receive a drug through an IV that mimics exercise by increasing blood flow to your heart.Ī nuclear stress test can take two or more hours, depending on the radioactive tracer and imaging tests used. What you can expectĪ nuclear stress test involves injecting a radioactive tracer, then taking two sets of images of your heart - one while you're at rest and another after exercise.Ī nuclear stress test is done along with an exercise stress test, in which you walk on a treadmill.
#NUCLEAR TIME NSYNC SKIN#
Don't apply oil, lotion or cream to your skin on the day of your nuclear stress test. Wear or bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Make sure your doctor and the health care team member monitoring your stress test know that you use an inhaler. If you use an inhaler for asthma or other breathing problems, bring it to the test. You may need to avoid caffeine the day before and the day of the test.Īsk your doctor if it's safe for you to continue taking all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications before the test, because they might interfere with certain stress tests. You may be asked not to eat, drink or smoke for a period of time before a nuclear stress test.
#NUCLEAR TIME NSYNC HOW TO#
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your nuclear stress test. These signs and symptoms are usually mild and brief, but tell your doctor if they occur. Some people also have nausea, shakiness, headache, flushing, shortness of breath and anxiety during the stress test. These symptoms can occur during a nuclear stress test. The problem should go away after you stop exercising. Blood pressure may drop during or immediately after exercise, possibly causing you to feel dizzy or faint. Although extremely rare, it's possible that a nuclear stress test could cause a heart attack. Arrhythmias that occur during a stress test usually go away shortly after you stop exercising or the medication wears off. As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications, which may include: Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic RisksĪ nuclear stress test is generally safe. The test also helps your doctor develop the right treatment for you by determining how much exercise your heart can handle. If you have coronary artery disease, a nuclear stress test can tell your doctor how well treatment is working. If you have symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, a nuclear stress test can help determine if you have coronary artery disease and how severe the condition is. Coronary artery disease develops when these arteries become damaged or diseased - usually due to a buildup of deposits containing cholesterol and other substances (plaques). Your coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. Your doctor may recommend a nuclear stress test to:ĭiagnose coronary artery disease.
A nuclear stress test may also be used to guide your treatment if you've been diagnosed with a heart condition. You may need a nuclear stress test if you have signs or symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain or shortness of breath.