Nuclear Stress Testing
The Cardiology Center of Acadiana is certified to conduct nuclear stress testing
to help evaluate the effectiveness of your heart’s pumping action. We have a dedicated and compassionate staff ready to make your visit as efficient and comfortable as possible. With more than 20 years of experience helping patients with heart problems, we are an ideal place to go for your nuclear stress test.
Consult with our cardiologist today and find out if you may need to undergo nuclear stress testing.
What is Nuclear Stress Testing?
Nuclear stress testing is a medical imaging procedure that uses radioactive tracers to examine how well the heart is functioning. This type of imaging, also known as myocardial perfusion imaging, is used to identify the presence of coronary artery disease and evaluate how effective treatments are.
Nuclear stress testing uses low doses of radiation to create a detailed image of your heart, which helps our medical team make informed decisions about what treatment may work best for you. By comparing images taken while the heart is at rest and during times of stress, our board-certified cardiologist can get a clear picture of your heart’s condition and determine if there are any areas that need to be addressed.
Important Details to Know About Nuclear Stress Testing
Here is some important information you should know about undergoing nuclear stress testing:
Before the Procedure
Talk to our cardiologist about any medications you are taking. If you are on blood thinners, they may need to be discontinued temporarily. We may also ask you to stop eating or drinking for a few hours before the test.
During the Procedure
You will be injected with a small amount of radioactive dye, which helps us create detailed images of your heart. The dye can make you feel warm and flushed. Some people may also feel a metallic taste in their mouth after being injected.
After the Procedure
You can go back to your usual activities right away. You may feel tired after the test as you were lying still for a while, and you may also need to urinate more often due to the dye. We will give you the results of your nuclear stress test within a few days, so you can discuss them in more detail with our cardiologist.
Who Needs a Nuclear Stress Test?
Since nuclear stress testing is usually performed to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle, it is typically recommended for people who are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, and who are at risk for heart disease.
The following are typical candidates for nuclear stress testing:
- Individuals with known or suspected coronary artery disease
- Individuals who have had a heart attack or other heart-related event
- Individuals with an abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram) that suggests heart problems
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease or high risk for heart disease due to other factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Schedule a Nuclear Stress Test Today!
To find out if you are a good candidate for a nuclear stress test, let our team assess your current health and medical history. While this test is an easy and painless way to detect any potential heart problems, it is not for everyone. With a personalized assessment, we will be able to determine if a nuclear stress test is the right choice for you.
Schedule a consultation with the Cardiology Center of Acadiana today.
