For Patients
This page will help explain the test your doctor has ordered and take any of the anxiety out of the test. Please remember we perform this test every single day on hundreds of patients a week.
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Cardiac Stress Test
Why Did Your Doctor Order a Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test
A nuclear cardiac stress test is a powerful tool used to see pictures of your heart at rest and after you have been stressed. Nuclear Medicine test offer a way to collect medical information that may be difficult to get with traditional testing procedures
What Information does this give my doctor
Nuclear cardiac tests are used to examine the blood flow to the heart, diagnose the cause of any chest pain, check the health of you arteries, and determine the amount of damage to the heart muscle if a heart attack has occured
What is a Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test
A nuclear cardiac stress test provides information about circulation and heart function. A traditional ECG stress test measures only the heart's electrical activity. In comparison, a nuclear cardiac stress test shows the heart in action. This allows your doctor to see the blood flow to the heart.
What do the results indicate
The results of the test indicate whether there is adequate blood flow to the heart, if any blood vessels are blocked, and whether the heart cells are functioning properly.
Cardiac Stress Test Length
There are 2 different types of tests so you will need to know which one you are doing.
SPECT will normally take 2-3 hours. The technicians will guide you through the day and let you know what step of the process you are on.
PET/CT will normally take 45 - 60 minutes and all you have to do is lay down and relax.
What if I am allergic to the medication
No one is allergic to the imaging isotope. It is basically radioactive potassium. So having an iodine allergy will not matter
How Do I Prepare
Should I take my medications
DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATIONS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR DOCTOR. Bring any medications your normally take, so you can take them after the exam. Bring asthma inhalers if you have them.
Can I Drink Caffeine or Smoke
NO..........DO NOT DRINK CAFFEINE OR SMOKE FOR 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST.
Can I eat before the test
Please try not to eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to the test except water. If your blood sugar does drop and you are diabetic then please keep your sugar levels regular. Do not eat chocolate
How should I dress
Dress for comfort and movement. Some people will be walking on the treadmill, so wear workout gear and shoes. Some people will be getting a medication. All patients will be getting a 12 lead EKG and stickers will be placed on your chest.
Ladies please do not wear bras with metal underwire or 1 piece garments such as a dress or body suits.
Please do not wear shirts with metal buttons or zippers.
What should I bring
Water and food. 1-2 bottles of water and a snack or lunch. We will let you know when you can eat. Bring any and all medications you take.
Arrival and Departure
What should I do once I arrive
Check in with the office staff and listen for your name to be called. It is very important to be on time as the medication is timed and calibrated to your appointment time. Arrive about 10 minutes before your exam time
What should I do after my Test
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the medication out of your system.
Rest Easy
12
Number of Cameras
2008
Been in Business Since
123
Number of Doctors we have worked with
175,000
Number of Patients Tested
Rest assured you are in good hands. We started in 2008 and have done over 175,000 patient and we have not have an serious issues or death happened because of the test. It is a safe test and could save your life.
