Should I be concerned about a nuclear stress test?

Milder problems may only require watchful waiting or medication. Nuclear stress testing is a very safe and easy diagnostic procedure that allows your physician to diagnose coronary artery disease. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns about your nuclear stress test.

Is it normal to feel bad after a nuclear stress test?

You should not feel ill effects or have symptoms after your nuclear stress test. Tell your doctor or care team right away of any symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. The radiotracer will gradually dissipate from your body over several days.

What should I avoid after a nuclear stress test?

Do not eat chocolate or drink coffee, tea, soda, colas or other caffeinated beverages such Mountain Dew or energy drinks. If you are unsure, do not drink it. See the table below for more details. The table below also has a list of medications containing caffeine.

What happens if my nuclear stress test was abnormal?

An abnormal result, which means your heart’s blood flow is insufficient, may occur only during the exercise phase of your stress test. During rest, your blood flow may be normal, but during strenuous activity, when your heart is working harder, it may not be getting the blood supply it needs.

Why would a doctor order a nuclear stress test?

Why it’s done You may need a nuclear stress test if you have signs or symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain or shortness of breath. A nuclear stress test may also be used to guide your treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition.

How long does the dye from a nuclear stress test stay in your system?

How long does the injection stay in my system? The nuclear imaging agent is out of your system within 60 hours, but it is always decaying so it becomes minimal in a relatively short period of time.

Why do they numb your throat for a stress test?

You are also given medicine (local anesthetic) to numb your throat. This helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure. An exercise stress test measures how your heart deals with the stress of physical activity. You are connected by wires to an ECG monitor.

Can I drive yourself home after a nuclear stress test?

You may not drive yourself home after your test. Before coming for your test, arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.

Can you drive yourself home after a nuclear stress test?

Do they numb your throat for a stress test?

Your throat is sprayed and will be numb. A mild sedative is given and you may sleep through this test. Your doctor will gently put a small, flexible, lubricated tube into your mouth and down your esophagus (swallowing pipe). You’ll be able to breathe normally.

Are there any risks to the nuclear stress test?

Risks and Contraindications When it is performed by experienced personnel, the nuclear stress test is quite safe. Still, there are known risks, which include: 2  Cardiac arrhythmias: Exercise-induced heart arrhythmias may occur.

Are there any side effects after a stress test?

Side Effects Which can be Expected after Injecting Pharmacological Stress Inducing Medications Include the following: Headache Flushing of the face Breathing difficulty, aspecially in asthma patients Rarely can trigger a heart attack

How are nuclear stress tests used to diagnose CAD?

Nuclear stress tests provide a minimally-invasive view into the blood flow of the heart. They can be used as both a first-look diagnostic test in patients who are at risk of CAD and as a routine test in patients with chronic CAD to monitor the progession of their disease.

Are there any alternatives to the nuclear stress test?

Alternatives to Nuclear Stress Test: The closest alternative and non radiation alternative test is a Stress Echocardiography Test. In this investigation the heart functioning is studied using an ultrasound machine. Stress echocardiography results might vary with the skill of the person conducting the test and operator variability exists.