What is a NM stress test?
A nuclear medicine (NM) cardiac stress test assesses the blood supply to the heart and provides information about how the heart is working. Images (or pictures) are taken of the heart while at rest and after the heart is stressed.
What does a stress test with imaging show?
A nuclear stress test uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) and an imaging machine to create pictures showing the blood flow to your heart. The test measures blood flow while you are at rest and during activity, showing areas with poor blood flow or damage in your heart.
Does a nuclear stress test show blocked arteries?
The test can show the size of the heart’s chambers, how well the heart is pumping blood, and whether the heart has any damaged or dead muscle. Nuclear stress tests can also give doctors information about your arteries and whether they might be narrowed or blocked because of coronary artery disease.
Does nuclear stress test hurt?
Injecting the radioactive tracer does not hurt. For the stress test you will have EKG leads placed on your chest and you will be monitored closely. You may walk on a treadmill, ride a bike or receive a medicine. All these will increase your heart rate to stress your heart.
Why would a cardiologist order a nuclear stress test?
Nuclear stress tests are ordered by cardiologists and other types of physicians for patients that may be at risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle can become blocked, which could lead to a myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart …
Why do they numb your throat for a nuclear stress test?
A sedative is a medicine that helps you feel relaxed. You are also given medicine (local anesthetic) to numb your throat. This helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure. An exercise stress test measures how your heart deals with the stress of physical activity.
Can you drive home after a nuclear stress test?
The nurse will help you with them after you are awake. You will not be allowed to eat or drink until the medicine used to numb your throat wears off. This usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may not drive yourself home after your test.
