To Know More About The Heart, Let Us Know More About Nuclear Stress Test

By Author: NewYorkCardiac Center
Total Articles: 15
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It has been reported by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that every year 785,000 Americans have their first coronary attack. Unhealthy lifestyle and stress are one of the biggest contributing factors that are responsible for heart disease. However, developments in the field of cardiology gives the advantage of timely detection. Superior detection methods such as nuclear stress test help in timely treatment to prevent any future complications. Any symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, indigestion and chest pain should not be avoided and referred to a cardiac specialist immediately.

In the section below, we have discussed more about the various aspects of nuclear stress test –

What is stress testing?

It is quite common for a patient to undergo cardiac stress testing that is extensively used in cardiology for measuring the performance of the heart. There are two ways of inducing a stress on the heart, which can be either in the form of exercise or a drug. This test is done by measuring the patient’s circulation at rest in comparison to that during the maximum physical ...
... exertion. It is only through this comparative study, a cardiologist is able to evaluate blood flow to the heart tissue.

Most stress tests are performed depending on various factors that may include the age, history, symptoms and risk factors for an individual’s health. Those complaining of shortness of breath, chest pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, high levels of blood lipids, lightheadedness and dizziness have to undergo these tests. Those with a history of smoking and heart disease are also included in this category.

A nuclear stress test is one of the most commonly preferred types of stress tests. A comprehensive test, it helps to ascertain if there are any cardiac abnormalities and helps to determine the extent to which the disease has progressed.

How is the nuclear stress testing performed?

The nuclear stress testing is also called myocardial perfusion imaging and is a non-invasive procedure that gives an insight of the functioning of the patient’s heart. This test helps the cardiologist to find out the extent and the location of the abnormal blood flow. A radiotracer is used for the imaging process that is detected with the help of a gamma camera. Healthy heart muscle will accumulate more amount of tracer as it is receiving normal blood flow. However, affected areas will generally have lesser accumulation that helps in identification. The patient’s arteries are subjected to dilation with the help of external stress in the form of some exercise. The radiotracer is injected and then the imaging process takes place.

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