What is a Nuclear Stress Test?

A nuclear stress test is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate the blood flow to the heart. During the test, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream, which allows a special camera to take images of the heart at rest and after stress, typically induced by exercise or medication. These images help healthcare providers identify areas of the heart that may not be receiving enough blood flow, indicating potential blockages in the coronary arteries.

The test is helpful in diagnosing coronary artery disease and assessing the overall function of the heart. It can also determine the presence of any heart muscle damage or areas of reduced blood flow. By comparing the images taken at rest and after stress, doctors can evaluate how well the heart is working and make decisions regarding further treatment or interventions if necessary.

Overall, a nuclear stress test is a valuable non-invasive tool that provides important information about heart function and blood flow, helping healthcare providers tailor the most appropriate treatment plan for patients with suspected heart conditions. This test is safe and well-tolerated by most individuals, with only rare cases of adverse reactions to the radioactive substance used.

Common Terms Seen on a Nuclear Stress Test Report

Reversible Defect: Normal coronary artery perfusion at rest. Abnormal with stress. Suggests ischemia.

Fixed Defect: Suggests prior infarct. Can also represent a false positive caused by breast attenuation, artifact or diaphragmatic attenuation artifact.

Transient Ischemic Dilatation (TID)

Shifting breast attenuation artifact