If you have an abnormal EKG or abnormal exercise treadmill test or have significant cardiac risk factors, your physician may order a nuclear exercise treadmill test. This test involves being injected with a radio-isotope which allows visualization of the heart at rest and at exercise. By comparing blood flow to your heart at rest and during exercise, we are able to determine if you have a significant blockage that is interfering with flow to the heart muscle.

Prior to walking on the treadmill you will have an IV inserted in your arm and receive the first of two radio-isotope injections. After a short wait (5 minutes or so), you will be asked to lay down on a table with your arms over your head for the resting nuclear scan (15 minutes or so).

When the first scan is completed, you will be prepared for the treadmill portion of the test (as above). At peak exercise you will be injected with the second radio-isotope. After the exercise portion is done you will be asked to eat a light snack and drink a caffeinated beverage which you bring from home. After about 15 minutes, you will have the second scan. When this scan is completed you will be asked to wait a few minutes to insure we have clear pictures to use in the processing of your test. Then you will be able to leave. The test takes approximately 3 hours from set up to completion.

The risks of a nuclear stress test are minimal and they will be discussed with you prior to performing the test. The isotopes we use for imaging are safe and we use only the smallest amount necessary to view your heart.

Nuclear Adenosine Test

If you are unable to walk on a treadmill, for whatever reason, we are able to perform the nuclear stress test without the patient walking by using a medication that simulates your heart's response to exercise.

The test is the same as a nuclear exercise treadmill test but when you are required to exercise, you will lie on a table and be injected with a medication called adenosine. This will allow your blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow to your heart. There are rare side effects (less than 10% of patients) to this medication which can be reversed when the test is completed. After infusion of the medication, the test will continue as described above.