Some heart problems only become noticeable when the heart is working harder. A nuclear stress test helps providers see how well blood is flowing to the heart muscle both at rest and during physical activity. It uses a small amount of safe radioactive material and special imaging to give a clear picture of how the heart is functioning.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is a Nuclear Stress Test?
A nuclear stress test combines two main components:
- Exercise or medication to increase the heart’s workload.
- Imaging with a tracer to see how blood moves through the heart muscle.
During the test, a small amount of tracer is injected into the bloodstream. A special camera detects the tracer and produces images of the heart. The test is done in two parts: once while the heart is at rest, and once after the heart has been “stressed” by exercise or a stress-inducing medication. This comparison shows whether parts of the heart are not getting enough blood flow.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Test?
A nuclear stress test may be suggested if you have:
- Chest pain or pressure during activity.
- Shortness of breath that could be heart-related.
- Abnormal results from an electrocardiogram (EKG) or other heart test.
- Known coronary artery disease and need to check its severity.
- A history of heart procedures, to see if treatments are still working.
Benefits of a Nuclear Stress Test
- Detailed Imaging – Shows both structure and blood flow to pinpoint problem areas.
- Accurate Diagnosis – Helps determine if symptoms are due to reduced blood supply.
- Guides Treatment – Informs decisions about medication, procedures, or lifestyle changes.
- Progress Monitoring – Tracks improvements after treatment or surgery.
- Customizable – Can be performed with exercise or medication depending on your ability to walk on a treadmill.
How Should I Prepare?
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking.
- Do not eat or drink for several hours before the test, unless instructed otherwise.
- Avoid caffeine for at least 24 hours prior.
- Follow your provider’s instructions about medication adjustments.
What Happens During the Test?
Step 1: Resting Images
- The tracer is injected into your vein.
- You rest while a special camera takes images of your heart.
Step 2: Stress Phase
- You walk on a treadmill or receive medication to simulate exercise.
- Your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored.
- A second injection of the tracer is given at peak stress.
Step 3: Stress Images
- Additional images are taken to compare blood flow during activity versus rest.
Is It Safe?
The amount of radioactive tracer used is small and considered safe for most people. Side effects are rare. The test is performed under medical supervision to ensure your safety at every stage.
When Will I Get My Results?
In many cases, providers can discuss initial findings soon after the test. A full report will follow once the images are reviewed in detail.
Get Clarity About Your Heart Health with Epic Cardiology
If you are experiencing symptoms during activity, have risk factors for heart disease, or need to check the results of past treatments, a nuclear stress test can provide the answers you need.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward protecting your heart health.
What Is a Nuclear Stress Test?
A nuclear stress test combines two main components:
- Exercise or medication to increase the heart’s workload.
- Imaging with a tracer to see how blood moves through the heart muscle.
During the test, a small amount of tracer is injected into the bloodstream. A special camera detects the tracer and produces images of the heart. The test is done in two parts: once while the heart is at rest, and once after the heart has been “stressed” by exercise or a stress-inducing medication. This comparison shows whether parts of the heart are not getting enough blood flow.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Test?
A nuclear stress test may be suggested if you have:
- Chest pain or pressure during activity.
- Shortness of breath that could be heart-related.
- Abnormal results from an electrocardiogram (EKG) or other heart test.
- Known coronary artery disease and need to check its severity.
- A history of heart procedures, to see if treatments are still working.
Benefits of a Nuclear Stress Test
- Detailed Imaging – Shows both structure and blood flow to pinpoint problem areas.
- Accurate Diagnosis – Helps determine if symptoms are due to reduced blood supply.
- Guides Treatment – Informs decisions about medication, procedures, or lifestyle changes.
- Progress Monitoring – Tracks improvements after treatment or surgery.
- Customizable – Can be performed with exercise or medication depending on your ability to walk on a treadmill.
How Should I Prepare?
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking.
- Do not eat or drink for several hours before the test, unless instructed otherwise.
- Avoid caffeine for at least 24 hours prior.
- Follow your provider’s instructions about medication adjustments.
What Happens During the Test?
Step 1: Resting Images
- The tracer is injected into your vein.
- You rest while a special camera takes images of your heart.
Step 2: Stress Phase
- You walk on a treadmill or receive medication to simulate exercise.
- Your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored.
- A second injection of the tracer is given at peak stress.
Step 3: Stress Images
- Additional images are taken to compare blood flow during activity versus rest.
Is It Safe?
The amount of radioactive tracer used is small and considered safe for most people. Side effects are rare. The test is performed under medical supervision to ensure your safety at every stage.
When Will I Get My Results?
In many cases, providers can discuss initial findings soon after the test. A full report will follow once the images are reviewed in detail.
Get Clarity About Your Heart Health with Epic Cardiology
If you are experiencing symptoms during activity, have risk factors for heart disease, or need to check the results of past treatments, a nuclear stress test can provide the answers you need.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward protecting your heart health.