Get a Nuclear Stress Test in Brooklyn

When it is suspected that you have heart problems and further testing is needed to determine the cause, you may be recommended to have a nuclear stress test. This is a common method of understanding how well the heart is performing.

When the Test Is Ordered

This particular test is recommended when patients show certain symptoms of possible heart problems. It can be ordered by a doctor if there has been a heart attack or stroke, or if a doctor may want to know if coronary artery disease is present and the extent of it – if it is there. It may also be used to decide whether or not an angioplasty should be performed, or to understand the progress of a heart disease.

During the Test

Patients undergoing the test will first receive a small amount of a radioactive material through an IV. Once injected, the patient will lie still while the substance works its way through the body and the heart. Pictures are then taken, as you lie for about 20 minutes under a gamma camera, to show what happens to the heart while in a normal (resting) heartbeat.

The next phase of the nuclear stress test involves the placing of electrodes on your chest, along with a blood pressure monitor. A second dose of radioactive material is injected and you will start walking on the treadmill. The goal is to hit a specific heart rate, but if it cannot be achieved, a medication is likely to be given to achieve the desired elevated rate.

After the exercise, you will again lie under the gamma camera which will take pictures of how your heart behaves when stressed – or at its peak function. This will again take up to 20 minutes.

The Length of the Test

When you go for the appointment, you can expect it to take between two to three hours. Afterwards, you can expect to return to your normal duties.

The Safety of the Test

Taking part in a stress test is quite safe. Very few people are ever likely to have any serious complications as a result of the test. An important thing to remember is that patients are carefully monitored throughout the test. Although a radioactive material is used in the test, it is in very small amounts, which does not pose a significant risk to health.

Getting the Results

Once the doctor gets the results of the stress test back and has time to study them, they will be interpreted to you. Because the test shows where your blood is circulating, a lack of blood flow likely indicates a damaged portion of the heart. This could be from a heart attack that you had previously, or from coronary artery disease.

Dr. Abdul Malik, MD is a top Cardiologist and can help you get a nuclear stress test – if it is deemed necessary. He has been practicing Cardiology for over 24 years and has trained many young doctors in that field, as well as in Internal Medicine. He is known to help patients get fast evaluations.