Nuclear stress test also referred to as the isotope stress test or the gallium stress test is a diagnostic test in cardiology where the heart is monitored under stress conditions for its functioning and if any abnormality is associated with it. Human heart is a muscular structure which beats at programmed rhythm to control the functionality of its own and other organs of the body. Certain factors like hereditary, change in lifestyle, smoking and drinking alcohol, and obesity put the health of heart at risk causing heart diseases like coronary artery disease and eventually heart failure. A nuclear stress test is an interesting test which uses a radioisotope material to monitor the activity of the heart during stress conditions such as during exercising.
What is the principle of a nuclear stress test ?
A nuclear stress test is nothing but a stress electrocardiogram or echocardiogram where a radioisotope material or a dye is used to visualize the functioning of the heart and if any disease condition is associated with it.
What is a nuclear stress test equipment ?
A nuclear stress test is performed in cycles of rest and exercise while your heart is imaged by a machine which resembles an x-ray scanner and you are made to lie on a table and scanner covers your heart region like a half dome. The scanner has a special camera called as the gamma camera fitted which images your heart at rest and during exercise and after exercise. The gamma camera picks up images from the heart because of the radioactive dye which is injected in your circulation.
What are the indications of a nuclear stress test ?
A nuclear stress test is used to study the health of the heart in older individuals and in individuals who are more susceptible to heart diseases. A nuclear stress test is also advised in individual who have a history of coronary heart disease, heart blockage, heart attack and heart failure and have undergone treatment for the same to follow up the recovery and present state of functioning of the heart. Rarely but a nuclear stress test can be used in healthy individuals to determine the shape, size and activity of the heart. Sometimes, it is also used to follow up the effect of medication on the heart.
When is a nuclear stress test not advised ?
A nuclear stress test is not advised in individuals who have just undergone a cardiac procedure, in patients who have obstructive airway disease or have uncontrolled blood pressure and diabetes. It is also not advised in individuals who have joint diseases and are not fit to exercise. A nuclear stress test is not advised when an individual is having an unstable angina or cardiac failure where other primary tests and intervention are advised. A nuclear stress test is also not advised during pregnancy.
How do you prepare for a nuclear stress test ?
Once your treating doctor or a consulting cardiologist has advised you to get a nuclear stress test done, you will undergo a general examination along with a detailed history taking which includes your past and present medical history and details of any medication you are taking. You will be asked to wear comfortable clothing and especially comfortable shoes. You will also be asked if your allergic to any medication or any dye before you go ahead with the nuclear stress test. It is also advisable to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure in detail from your treating doctor. You will also be asked to avoid eating and drinking anything at least four hours before the test and abstain from any caffeine consumption or smoking fir at least 24hours before the test.
Does nuclear stress test require anesthesia ?
No, it is a safe and simple test which does not require any anesthesia to be administered.
What happens during a nuclear stress test ?
The main step in a nuclear stress test is the administration of a dye or a radioisotope via the IV (intravenous) line into your blood circulation before the start of the test. Initially few picture of the heart are taken at rest and then the electrocardiogram electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and thighs and you are made to exercise at a gradual pace on the treadmill or a stationary cycle. The pace of the exercise is gradually increased till your resistance limit and till you feel tired. The heart is imaged during the exercise and then saline is used to flush the dye into blood circulation and you will be made to rest and relax for a defined period of time. During the entire cycle of rest, exercise and rest your heart is monitored for its rate and rhythm and pictures are taken with a specialized camera attached to the computer called as the gamma camera. The images of the heart depict the condition of the heart, its muscle and its circulation determining the presence of any disease or abnormality more precisely. In some patients who cannot exercise or are bedridden, a nuclear test is performed by administration of a medicine or a drug which increases the blood flow to your heart during the test. The entire test can take anywhere between two to four hours, but the exercise time is usually between ten to fifteen minutes.
Who reports a nuclear stress test ?
A nuclear stress test is performed by a technician in the presence of a cardiologist or a cardiologist, or a radiologist who specializes in cardiac diagnostic procedures. The reporting is usually one by the doctor at the time of the test, who reports the status of the heart on the basis of images of the heart obtained at rest, during exercise and after exercise depending upon the amount of radiation absorbed by the dye in a particular area of the heart. The images of the test can be obtained depending upon the hospital policy on reporting of diagnostic tests.
Can you go home after the nuclear stress test ?
Yes, you will be allowed to go home after the test, unless you are admitted in the hospital for some reason.
What are the risks and complications associated with a nuclear stress test ?
Nuclear stress test is a rather safe and effective test to diagnose heart ailments and the main complication could be an allergic reaction to the dye used for imaging purposes. Other rare complications can be abnormal heart rate, chest pain or may be a heart attack. Any complications should be addressed as an emergency and should be treated at the earliest.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
