Nuclear Stress Test

This test measures blood flow to your heart at rest and while your heart works either through exercise or medication. This test provides images of your heart that show areas of poor blood flow from blocked coronary arteries (CAD/coronary arterial disease) and areas of tissue damage to the heart.

A radioactive dye will be injected into your bloodstream. Two sets of images will be taken – one prior to the exercise/pharmaceutical portion and one afterwards.

This test is performed to determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD) and to see the shape and size of your heart.

Preparation: 24 Hours Before Test

• No caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, pain relievers with caffeine such as Excedrin or Anacin)
• Avoid the following medications: Persantine (Dipyridamole), Theophylline type medication, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
• No smoking

The Day of the Test

• No food or beverages (water is ok) 6 hours before the test.
• Wash your chest area, avoid lotion, powder and perfume
• Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers or walking shoes