Heart Function Evaluation: What Nuclear Stress Testing Can Reveal

Nuclear stress testing is just one of the many diagnostic tools doctors use to determine heart health. It's an option when you are at risk for coronary artery disease or blood flow problems within the heart.

At the Heart Clinic of Hammond, we offer heart function evaluation tests, including nuclear and exercise stress testing, electrocardiograms, and Holter monitoring.

Our two experienced cardiologists, Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed, provide diagnostic testing and coronary intervention procedures to keep your heart healthy at every stage of life.

What is nuclear stress testing?

Nuclear stress testing is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes a radioactive substance to observe the blood flow in your heart. It's a great option to determine if your heart is getting the proper blood supply and if it's pumping correctly.

During a nuclear stress test, we connect you to a blood pressure cuff and a heart monitor to evaluate blood pressure and cardiac rhythm. You will have an IV in your arm where we inject the radioactive substance into the bloodstream.

You then lie on a table while we use a special camera to take pictures of your heart with the tracer in it. We then have you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike to hit a target heart rate. Afterward, we have you lie on the table again to take more pictures of your heart.

If you're unable to exercise for the test, we use a medication that mimics exercise on the heart to get accurate results. The test usually takes a few hours, and you can go home afterward.

Heart conditions, a nuclear stress test shows

A nuclear stress test is an essential diagnostic tool for heart issues, especially coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are crucial in delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. CAD occurs when there's a blockage or buildup of plaque in the arteries, decreasing blood flow to the heart.

The stress test can also reveal any heart damage that could be indicative of a prior heart attack. It also shows how the heart pumps blood and any areas of decreased blood flow that are a concern.

The goal of the nuclear stress test is to determine how your heart works at rest and under stress. It helps us determine if there are significant blockages and their severity, so we can create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Can I benefit from a nuclear stress test?

You may benefit from a nuclear stress test if you're having cardiac symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. We may also order the test if you have symptoms with exertion or exercise.

People with suspected CAD, bundle branch blocks, or congestive heart failure may also benefit from a nuclear stress test. We use it to find any issues with blood flow or pumping in the heart muscle.

If you're at risk for any coronary disease, we may recommend a nuclear stress test to get a baseline of how your heart is working. From there, we provide strategies and treatments to keep your heart working well.

Don't hesitate to contact the Heart Clinic of Hammond team today in Hammond or Amite, Louisiana, to discuss a nuclear stress test or request an appointment online.