Nuclear Stress Test-Terrified

@rebaheizer
I agree the treadmill test is much harder physically than nuclear test where you are usually sitting.

I think what the original posters and even I were referring to was not know what the symptoms of the nuclear test would be and then having one. It scared me to death as the pounding of my heart was very traumatic. I wish the cardiologist would have explained the test in depth and what it would feel like beofre I had it.

The nuclear test I had was at a private office of the cardiologist. It was before I became a patient at Mayo Clinic.

For those who have been prescribed a nuclear test. Ask your cardilogist to describe the test. What drugs are used, what they will do to heart, what you will feel. how long will test last, what will you feel afterwark, what are side affects, what are risks of the test.

Being totally informed will help you not experience those of us that had the test not knowing what was coming and being terrified during the test.

Did you not read about the nuclear test?

I guess I was lucky, I asked questions and the Physician did let me know what to expect .

@rebaheizer
You had good medical providers who provided you with the information all should get when taking test like these.

Maybe we should have them go through the test so that can empathize with the patients.

If I had been briefed like you I would not have basically panic when my heart starting pounding like I was being chase by a bear wanting to eat me.

I've had several. Not a problem. In those days people were told to be in a fasted state. Once the dye was in there is a limited window to eat something so I took my own meal which needed to have some fat for the next part of the test. You may want to ask about this if you were not told anything about food.

I understand. I was terrified too. I didn't like the idea of my heart would be out of my control. I'd had stress tests on a treadmill, but nothing like this where someone else was in control of my heart. I asked some questions and felt a bit better, but still concerned. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't bad at all. I think that was at least partially due to the ladies administering the test. The one in charge of the drug was really funny. I hope you have as good an experience as I did!

https://kcampbellnutrition.com/can-you-eat-before-a-stress-test/
The instructions about bringing a meal, or fasting for at least 12 hours prior to a nuclear stress test, depends on the reason for the test and the type of imaging that is needed. For some, the ingestion of a meal helps the body to want to concentrate blood more around the gut and intestines. This, in turn, puts a mild deprivation strain on the heart which is part of what we want to see: how will the heart behave under duress. The fatty component is not needed for any type of imaging, but it will help the meal to last longer in the stomach since fatty meals take longer to digest. If the imaging staff are called on for an emergency case, you are left halfway through your own diagnostic imaging while they deal with the emergency case(s). With an ingested fatty meal, you can wait for a while longer.

I see. That must be why I had tests during the fasted state, then 30 minute break to eat, and multiple tests following the meal. Happily had all test in about 5 hours.

Now, at my advanced age, I have the tests performed differently. No more treadmill tests. Instead I was in a tube. Wish someone told me to bring a sweater. It was cold in there.

Don't know if you've had it yet. I'm having mine tomorrow. I had it done once before--3 years ago. It's not anything to worry about, but I'm not a fan of the induced stress test on the heart. It's not painful, just feels weird. The good news is that it only lasts about a minute and then they stop it. You are very carefully monitored the entire time. If you've already had it done, then you already know this.