Nuclear stress test

This test is done at a medical center or health care provider's office. It is done in stages: You will have an intravenous (IV) line started. A radioactive substance, such as thallium or sestamibi, will be injected into one of your veins. You will lie down and wait for between 15 and 45 minutes. A special camera will…

You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-skid soles. You may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight. You will be allowed to have a few sips of water if you need to take medicines. You will need to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before the test. This includes: Tea and coffee All sodas, even ones that…

During the test, some people feel: Chest pain Fatigue Muscle cramps in the legs or feet Shortness of breath If you are given the vasodilator medicine, you may feel a sting as it is injected. This is followed by a feeling of warmth. Some people also have a headache, nausea, and a feeling that their heart is racing. If…

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. If you are…

A normal test most often means that you were able to exercise as long as or longer than most people of your age and sex. You also did not have symptoms or changes in blood pressure, your ECG or the images of your heart that caused concern. A normal result means blood flow through the coronary arteries is probably…

Abnormal results may be due to: Reduced blood flow to a part of the heart. The most likely cause is a narrowing or blockage of one or more of the arteries that supply your heart muscle. Scarring of the heart muscle due to a previous heart attack. After the test you may need: Angioplasty and stent placement Changes in…

Complications are rare, but may include: Arrhythmias Increased angina pain during the test Breathing problems or asthma-like reactions Extreme swings in blood pressure Skin rashes Your provider will explain the risks before the test.

In some cases, other organs and structures can cause false-positive results. However, special steps can be taken to avoid this problem. You may need additional tests, such as cardiac catheterization , depending on your test results.

Balady GJ, Ades PA. Exercise physiology and exercise electrocardiographic testing. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15. Dorbala S, DiCarli MF. Nuclear cardiology. In:…