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 scan your heart and create pictures to show how the substance has traveled through your blood and into your heart.
How Long Does a Nuclear Stress Test Take? Typically, your appointment will take about 2-4 hours. Some of this time is spent in preparation for the test, and in waiting for the tracer in the bloodstream to be taken up by the heart.
The first day will usually be the stress portion (plan on two hours). The second day is the resting portion and no restrictions for caffeine or beta blockers are required (plan on at least one hour). An intravenous line will be placed in your arm.
Preparing for Your Nuclear Stress Test
Do not eat or drink anything that is caffeinated or decaffeinated for at least 24 hours before the procedure. You may have a light meal 2 hours before your appointment. All medication should be taken as you would normally, unless otherwise directed by our office or your physician.
There are two types of nuclear cardiac stress tests – with exercise and non-exercise. While both assess your blood flow to the heart at peak stress and at rest, a stress test with exercise uses a treadmill workout to initiate cardiac stress while non-exercise uses a medication.
Pictures are taken with a camera while you are laying down. Afterwards you are placed on monitors for your heart electrical activity and blood pressure and then given a medication which simulates stress on the heart. Afterwards a second set of pictures are taken. The whole test takes about 2 hours.
They're Not Stressful
Stress in fact means putting additional expectations on the heart – this could be by simply walking on a treadmill, not running a marathon.
NO coffee or tea of any kind. NO beta blockers or calcium channel blockers (unless otherwise instructed by your physician). Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours before the test. You MAY drink water in any amount.
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.
Your target heart rate during a stress test depends on your age. For adults, the maximum predicted heart rate is 220 minus your age. So, if you're 40 years old, the maximum predicted heart rate is 220 – 40 = 180.
Bring all medications, or a list of medications, for review. Friends/family are welcome to accompany you to the office but are not allowed in the testing area due to our privacy policy. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the test. Test results will be communicated to you by your physician.
The angiogram and cardiac catheterization are the most definitive tests, better than a nuclear stress test, but both use significant radiation, and the cardiac catheterization uses a large catheter in the artery, which can cause complications.
The test can show the size of the heart's chambers, how well the heart is pumping blood, and whether the heart has any damaged or dead muscle. Nuclear stress tests can also give doctors information about your arteries and whether they might be narrowed or blocked because of coronary artery disease.
The Nuclear Medicine Stress Test takes approximately four hours to complete. You are encouraged to bring a book, or some other means to pass the time quietly. You will be able to drive yourself home after the test is completed. Wear loose comfortable clothing with walking or tennis shoes.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Nuclear Stress Tests
Medicare Part B coverage will help cover these tests if it is deemed medically necessary under certain circumstances. If your physician orders the nuclear stress test in order to diagnose or rule out illness, Medicare will pay for the screening.
You may be asked to stop certain medications a day or two before the test. This can help get more accurate test results. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is suitable for exercise. Men usually don't wear a shirt during the test, and women generally wear a bra and a lightweight blouse or a hospital gown.
Total testing time is 2-3 hours. No food 3-4 hours prior to testing. You may drink water during this time. If your test is scheduled in the afternoon, eat a light meal 4-5 hours prior to testing.
The word radioactive is a bit scary and can lead one to wonder, “Is a nuclear stress test safe for the elderly?” Yes, the amount of radioactivity a person is exposed to during a nuclear stress test is the same amount as a chest x-ray and is no cause for concern.
You can leave immediately. Your activity will not be restricted. You may resume your normal diet, exercise, and take all prescribed medications. If you plan to travel within 2 weeks of your nuclear stress test, let us know so we can give you a note.
Do not eat or drink anything that has caffeine, including coffee, tea, decaffeinated products, chocolate, cocoa, soda. Do not take any over the counter medications that contain caffeine such as Excedrin, Anacin, diet pills and No Doz.