Is a stress test considered nuclear medicine?

What is a nuclear medicine (NM) cardiac 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 is a nuclear medicine stress test?

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.

What drug is injected during a nuclear stress test?

Lexiscan or Adenoscan are administered by intravenous injection during a cardiac nuclear stress test to patients who cannot adequately exercise. These drugs dilate the coronary arteries and increase blood flow so that coronary artery obstructions can be identified.

What medications can you take before a nuclear stress test?

Common Names of Medications to Hold Prior to Stress Testing (Nuclear and Standard Stress)

• Bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol, Lopressor HCT)
• Nadolol (Corgard, Corzide)
• Nebivolol (Bystolic)
• Pindolol (Visken)
• Propranolol (Inderal, Inderide)
• Carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)
• Labetalol (Trandate)

Why would a doctor order a nuclear stress test?

The test is done to see if your heart muscle is getting enough blood flow and oxygen when it is working hard (under stress). Your provider may order this test to find out: How well a treatment (medicines, angioplasty, or heart surgery) is working. If you are at high risk for heart disease or complications.

Can you eat or drink before a nuclear stress test?

Do not eat or drink anything except water for six hours before the test. Do not eat or drink anything with caffeine for 24 hours (one day) before the test. Caffeine may be found in some types of coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, sports drinks and foods.

How accurate are nuclear stress tests?

A nuclear stress test is supposed to be 85% accurate and that’s a step up from a standard treadmill stress test combined with echo. So I imagine that a standard treadmill stress test/echocardiogram is somewhat less reliable.

What are the dangers of a nuclear stress test?

Nuclear Stress Test Procedure. The nuclear stress test procedure involves injection of a tracer into the arm that will travel down to the heart.

What drugs are used for stress testing?

Adenosine, dipyridamole (Persantine), and dobutamine are the most widely available pharmacologic agents for stress testing.