Cardiac Nuclear Imaging (Nuclear Stress Test)

Before your test

Here's what you need to know to get ready for your test: 

• The full test will take a few hours. For best results, get ready for your test as directed.

• When you schedule the test, tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Ask if you should stop taking any of them the day of the test.

• Before your test, stop smoking and don't have caffeine for as long as directed. This includes not taking medicines that have caffeine as an ingredient. And not having any drinks or food with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate.

• Follow all directions you are given about not eating or drinking before the test.

• On the day of the test, dress for comfort. Wear a 2-piece outfit, top and bottoms. Wear walking shoes.

During your test

Here is what to expect during your test:

• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown from the waist up.

• You will be attached to an EKG. This watches your heart rhythm. You'll also be attached to blood pressure monitors. An IV (intravenous) line will be started in your arm.

• At some point, scanning pictures will be taken with the tracer while you rest. This may be done before you exercise. Or you may be asked to come back for resting scans later that day or the next.

• Unless your test is a pharmacologic stress test, you will exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike for a few minutes. This increases the rate of blood flow to your heart muscle.

• Speak up when you feel that you can't exercise for even 1 more minute. This is considered the point of maximum stress. The tracer will then be given to you through the IV.

• If you can't exercise by using a treadmill or bicycle, special medicines can be used. These will artificially increase your heart rate or expand your blood vessels while you are resting. This is done to mimic the same changes that occur when the heart is placed under stress. 

• After you are given the tracer, you will be placed on the scanning bed.

• You must lie very still for up to  30 minutes. During this time, a scanning camera will be taking pictures of your heart. The images will show where blood flows through your heart muscle.

After your test

Before going home, ask when you may eat. Also. find out when to start taking any medicines you were told to skip before the test. If you need to come back for resting scans, follow any instructions. Most people can go back to their normal routine as soon as all parts of the test are done. Drink plenty of water. This helps flush the tracer from your body.

Tell the technologist:

• What medicines you take

• If you have diabetes, knee or hip problems, arthritis, asthma, or long-term (chronic) lung disease

• If you have had recent chest pain since your last appointment

• If you can't exercise or you have any physical conditions that would prevent you from exercising

• If you have had a stroke or have vascular disease of the leg

• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

• If you are breastfeeding

Tell the healthcare provider if you have any of these during the test:

• Pain in chest, arm, or jaw

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

• Feelings of panic

• Unable to exercise 

• Fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)

• Leg cramps or pain