Healthcare professionals use nuclear pharmacological stress tests to diagnose coronary artery disease and determine the risk of a heart attack. They inject a small amount of a radioactive substance (radiopharmaceutical) and a drug to dilate the blood vessels. They then take images of the heart’s blood flow at rest and during exercise.
What is a Pharmacological Nuclear Stress Test?
A pharmacological nuclear stress test is an imagination test that healthcare professionals use to evaluate blood flow in the heart. It is also known as a cardiac pharmacological nuclear stress test or a chemically induced stress test. The information your doctor obtains from the test can help diagnose certain heart conditions and prescribe treatment.
Who Performs a Pharmacological Nuclear Stress Test?
A pharmacological nuclear stress test is performed by a physician with experience in nuclear medical imaging.
Why do healthcare professionals perform a pharmacological nuclear stress test?
Your doctor may order a pharmacological nuclear stress test to determine if you have:
- Heart disease.
- Coronary artery disease.
- Heart damage from chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Your doctor may also order this test if you have recently had a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Test Details
How does a nuclear pharmacological stress test work?
This test consists of two parts, in which doctors take two sets of images.
During a nuclear pharmacological stress test, the healthcare provider:
- Injects a radiopharmaceutical into a vein in your arm or hand.
- Take a series of images to observe the function of the heart’s blood vessels at rest.
- Administers a medication to dilate the heart’s blood vessels and increase blood flow, as during exercise.
- Take another series of images to observe the function of the heart and blood vessels under stress.
How do I Prepare for a Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Test?
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications and herbal supplements you are taking. Before the test, your healthcare provider will tell you if you should take your medications or change the dosage.
They may have special recommendations for medications:
- For asthma.
- For diabetes.
- Containing caffeine.
Should I take my heart medications before the pharmacologic nuclear stress test?
If you take heart medications, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking them before the test. Do not stop attractive any medications unless your healthcare worker tells you to stop. Ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about taking your medications before the test.
What should I expect on the day of my pharmacologic nuclear stress test?
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. You should avoid:
Drinking drinks or foods containing caffeine (including decaffeinated drinks) for 24 hours earlier the test.
Smoking. What should I expect during the first part of the pharmacologic nuclear stress test?
During the first part of the test, doctors take pictures of your heart and blood flow while you are at rest. The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (IV catheter) into your vein. They inject the radiopharmaceutical and wait about 30 minutes. Then:
You lie still on an exam table for about 20 minutes while the doctor takes pictures of the blood flow in your heart.
The doctor places electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart role using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
What should I expect during the second part of the pharmacologic nuclear stress test?
During this part of the test, doctors take pictures of your heart and blood flow while you are stressed. The doctor injects medicine into the IV catheter to widen your blood vessels. Your doctor may ask you to walk gradually on a treadmill if you can. If you can’t exercise, you stay on the exam table.
After 30 minutes, you lie still for additional 20 minutes. Doctors take additional pictures to assess the blood flow to your heart while it’s under stress.
Throughout the exam, doctors monitor:
- Blood pressure.
- Heart rate.
How long does a Chemical Stress Test Last?
A chemical stress test typically lasts between three and four hours. However, for some people, the test may last two days. Consult your doctor about the greatest appropriate method for you.
What to expect after a nuclear pharmacological stress test?
You will remain in the testing room until your heart rhythm normalizes. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, EKG, and heart rate.
Your doctor may recommend that you avoid captivating certain medications for a period of time after the test. Follow these instructions carefully.
Is a nuclear pharmacological stress test safe?
Nuclear pharmacological stress tests are generally safe. You may experience a headache or facial flushing during the test. Some people may experience rapid heart rate. If this happens, your doctor may prescribe medication to regulate your heart rate.
The radiopharmaceutical causes a delay in the radiation exposure to your body. You should:
Avoid holding babies and young children for the rest of the day. Drink water to flush the substance out of your body.
Does a pharmacological nuclear stress test have side effects?
Some medications taken during a pharmacological nuclear stress test can cause side effects, such as:
- Chest pain.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Results and Follow-up
What does a pharmacological nuclear pressure test show? What do the consequences mean?
The test shows if blood flow to the heart is normal. It also shows if certain parts of the heart are not receiving enough blood at rest or during exercise (exertion). Your doctor uses this information to:
Diagnose blockages in the blood vessels and heart.
Recommend a treatment plan (if necessary).
When will I know the results of the pharmacological nuclear stress test?
Healthcare professionals will examine images of your heart at rest and during exercise. Your doctor will explain these images and the next steps to you.
When should I call my doctor after the nuclear pharmacological stress test?
Let your doctor know if you experience any changes in your heart rhythm.
Summary
Healthcare professionals use nuclear pharmacological stress tests to identify coronary artery disease and determine your risk of a heart attack. After the test, you will be one step closer to learning more about your heart. Your doctor will clarify the test results and any treatment you may need to maintain your heart health.
Additional FAQs
Are nuclear stress tests and pharmacological stress tests the same thing?
Not necessarily. There are different kinds of pharmacological stress tests: nuclear and non-nuclear. In nuclear stress tests, the doctor uses a radioactive substance (radiopharmaceutical) to visualize the heart and blood vessels during imaging. In a non-nuclear stress test, the doctor does not use any radioactive substances.
Doctors take two sets of images: one when the heart is at rest and another when it is under stress (during exercise). However, if you are unable to exercise, doctors prescribe medications that mimic the effects of workout on the heart.