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Nuclear Medicine Stress Test
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Understanding of the treatments and tests you receive is very important to everyone at Howard Regional Health System. Therefore, this information sheet is to acquaint you with standard procedures followed in a routine Nuclear Medicine Stress Test . It provides you with the basic facts and information about this test. Read the material, share it with your family and ask any clarifying questions of the nurse or technician.
Definition:
A nuclear medicine stress test is done for the doctor to take pictures of your heart while you are stressed (exercising) as well as during rest. This test involves the injection of a radioactive 'tracer' that allows the heart muscle to be seen on special x-rays. his is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease, the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The amount of radioactive 'tracer' that is used is a very small amount and safe.
However, if you are pregnant, suspect you may be or are a nursing mother, be sure to let your doctor know.
Preparation:
- Do not eat or drink for 4 hour before the test.
This helps prevent the possibility of nausea which may occur with heavy
exercise. If you have diabetes and take medication for it, discuss with
your doctor how best to deal with the need for this medication.
- Talk to your doctor concerning whether to take
any heart medications you currently are taking. You may be asked to stop
these medications for a day or two before the test to improve the
accuracy of it.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Men don't
usually wear a shirt during the test. Women usually wear a light gown or
blouse.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
The
Procedure:
- Before the test, you will be given a
description of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
- Several electrodes (small sticky pads) will be
placed on your chest. This allows the recording of your heart's
electrical activity.
- An IV line will be inserted in a vein in your
arm.
- You will be asked to walk on a treadmill or
ride a stationary bicycle. The exercise activity you are asked to do
will slowly become more difficult as the test continues. If during this
period of exercise you experience any chest pain, chest discomfort,
dizziness or shortness of breath, notify the technician or physician
immediately. When you reach the point you feel you can exercise no
longer, let the physician or technician know. You will then have the
'tracer' injected in the IV. You will be asked to continue to exercise
for approximately one minute longer.
- Next, you will lie flat on a table under a
large scanning camera. The pictures taken by this camera are then put
into a computer that show how the tracer has been taken up by the heart
muscle. If there are lighter areas, this indicates that there is not as
rapid or complete absorption by that area of the heart muscle,
indicating there may be less blood flow to that area. This portion of
the test takes approximately 40 minutes.
- You will then be allowed to leave the testing
area but asked to remain relatively quiet for the next 2 to 4 hours. You
will be allowed to drink limited amounts of liquids but asked not to
eat.
- You will return to the Imaging Services Department where you will have additional pictures taken without repeating the exercise portion. These pictures are compared to those taken while exercising. In some cases these pictures are taken the next day.
The Results:
Your doctor will discuss these results with you at a future office visit. The test results will give the doctor important information to better develop the best plan of care for you. Your comfort during this procedure is very important to everyone at Howard Regional Health System. If there is something that can be done to make you more comfortable during this exam, let the technician know.
We are dedicated to making your testing experience a pleasant one. For more information, please call us at 765-453-8413 or e-mail at image@howardregional.org.
