Does any other medical treatment have a worse name than the nuclear stress test? Any one of those three phrases can send your nerves into overdrive. Combining these three factors makes it clear why many individuals are anxious about the future.
Fortunately, there is not much of a learning curve involved in conducting a nuclear stress testing Port Saint Lucie. No pain or discomfort will be experienced after the initial “pinch” of an IV being inserted.
Nuclear stress tests are helpful in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of cardiac conditions because they allow for the visualization of arterial blockages and damaged heart tissue. Here is a quick rundown of what to anticipate during your nuclear stress test.
The fundamentals of nuclear stress testing
Let us start with the obvious: the name. The radioactive dye that is put into your circulation before a nuclear stress test is what gives the exam its “nuclear” name. Diagnostic imaging performed during the test will clearly reveal the dye, allowing your doctor to see your blood arteries while your heart pumps blood.
In a short amount of time, the radioactive dye “decays” or becomes neutral. The dye will be passed out of your system in your urine and feces during the next few days.
The “stress” phase follows. The “stress” being discussed here is the physical strain incurred during training. A stress test compares your heart’s exercise performance to a resting EKG.
We have medication that can simulate exercise for those who are unable to exert themselves physically. While the medicine is working, you will notice your heart rate increasing, but after a few minutes, the effects will go off.
Preparing for the Exam -What to Anticipate?
The dye is injected into an IV in your arm before the test begins. We take the initial set of diagnostic pictures when your heart is at rest after the dye has had time to circulate throughout your system.
Then, an EKG electrode is placed on your chest and abdomen. With the help of the electrodes, we can keep an eye on your heartbeat throughout the entire exam.
The physical activity phase has arrived. You will walk on a treadmill at an increasing speed if you are in good enough shape to work.
When your heart rate reaches a predetermined threshold, you will stop exercising so that you can capture the next set of pictures documenting your heart’s reaction to the stress of physical activity. You will keep the EKG electrodes on for a while after the exam is over so we can watch your heart rate slow down and relax.
