South West Illinois News

Your heart health is important to living a better and longer life. If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms you need to talk to your doctor about your heart health:

• Moderate to severe chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Abnormally high or low blood pressure
• An abnormal heart rhythm
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Certain changes in your electrocardiogram

If you suffer from the above listed, symptoms your doctor may order a nuclear stress test to determine if there is enough blood flow to your heart. A nuclear stress test can help in diagnosing coronary artery disease and detect heart rhythm problems. During the test, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill while your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored. If a patient is unable to perform physical activity to increase their heart rate, medications may be given to increase the heart rate for testing. 

What are the benefits of a nuclear stress test?

• Checks your heart function during physical activity.
• Shows whether there are problems with blood flow.
• Detects signs of heart disease or other heart problems.
• How it works:

• • An injection is administered through the vein.
  • Your heart is scanned by a Nuclear Medicine scanner while you are reclined.
  • You will then walk on a treadmill (or a medicine may be given to you to increase your heart rate).
  • Your heart is scanned again to allow comparison between your heart at rest and your active heart. 
  • Results are then provided to ordering physician.
• Talk to your doctor about your heart health concerns and determine if a nuclear stress test is right for you.