Let Us Know All That Is Behind A Nuclear Stress Test

By Author: NewYorkCardiac Center
Total Articles: 15
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Have you ever gone to the physician complaining about fluttering heartbeat or the tightening of the chest? It is quite likely for your physician to have referred you to a cardiologist for some kind of special tests. One of the common tests performed by a cardiologist is a nuclear stress test. It generally takes a few hours and helps to provide a real picture of the functioning of and blood flow to the heart.

In the section below, we help to shed some light on the nuclear stress test procedure,

Understanding the purpose of this stress test

This test is used by a number of cardiologists in order to understand the functioning of the heart. It is done under a controlled environment where the functions of the heart are measured. This test is non-invasive in nature and can decipher the areas of the heart with any abnormal or lesser blood flow. This test is generally done by stress that is induced in the form of exercise using a treadmill or by medication.

How does one prepare for this stress test and what happens during this test

Those undergoing the nuclear stress test may have their cardiologist ...
... advise them against eating solid food and drinking caffeine for at least 12 hours before the test. Those undergoing the test should find comfortable clothing useful for this test.

Cardiologists may recommend this test for those at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in particular, coronary artery disease. Those with known or chances of developing coronary artery disease undergo this test, includes patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, chest pain and a family history of heart disease. The patient is subjected to stress such as in the form of running or walking on the treadmill and his/her blood pressure and heartbeat is measured using an ECG and small blood pressure cuff. A small amount of radiotracer material is injected in the patient and is scanned with the help of a gamma camera.

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