What's a nuclear stress test like? Is it safe?

Hi, @stanway. The treadmill portions of the nuclear stress test can vary with each patient and according to the direction of the physician. Some patients may not be able to exercise on the treadmill and will require another medication to simulate the stress.
It’s been several years since I had the test, but I don’t recall it being longer than 10 or so minutes each session? Both times I do remember the tech calling ‘time’ because I could have kept going. So I must have reached the parameters they set. A friend, who has a heart issue, had the testing last week and said she could only handle about 3 minutes. She said the technician was looking for 80% of her max heart rate as the target. So it can really vary. And I’m not sure at all about what the intended BP increase should be. Again, I think this is dependent on each patients case.

Are you scheduled for a nuclear stress test?

@loribmt
Yes, I am, and thank you for the information. It is vert helpful.

Hi @stanway, As testing goes, I think you’ll find this one pretty easy. The worst part is waiting for the results and reassurances. So I wish you all the best. Will you let me know how everything turns out for you? Do you have other labs and tests besides this nuclear stress test?

@loribmt
No. I had a stent implanted in 2019, and had no adverse symptoms since then. I saw my cardiologist for first time in three years just for a "how am I doing" and meds check. Everything was normal, including an EKG. I think he ordered the Nuclear Test just to make sure he hadn't missed something in three years. I'm not happy about undergoing this test, with no symptoms, because of possible risks at my age (91). So I am gathering all information I can before deciding whether to cancel or not.

@baxtersmom I recently had an angiogram, I had mild sedation, they didn't find anything wrong, It was a quick procedure with no side effects.

@stanway I swore that I’d never have another one. It was very difficult but I passed with flying colors. I’m 77 and not aerobically fit. I was so out of breath at 4 minutes that I called UNCLE and it was stopped. I had reached the heart rate they were looking for so the test was meaningful for its intent. Then an immediate ultrasound on a table pushed up against the treadmill.
Know that there are no concessions in the difficulty of the speed or incline based on your age or condition. You will receive the identical test that a 20 something male marathoner would get. You’ll just reach your point of physical exhaustion sooner. The increase in speed and incline were rapid fire.
I have read that for those unable to exercise, there is an injection of meds which simulate exercise and elevate the heart rate. That sounds preferable to me.

@stanway I was in a room with three attendants and was closely monitored during and after the test. You can stop the test at any time. Just speak up. You will be asked if you are okay repeatedly. Of course, there is an EKG running and your BP will be taken frequently during the test.
My experience is that docs generally want to order every available test and then repeat them with some regularity. Big money. It can be overkill in my opinion. I would ask what about your care would change if the test results were poor. Surgery at your age? What, exactly? A change in meds? And how might the side effects of those meds negatively affect your quality of life. Good luck to you. It’s hard to stay on top of all this, isn’t it!

Please note that if you have arrhythmias that you must demand that they do not use the IV injection medication that is contraindicated with Afib patients.

Do not let them tell you that they only use one product and too bad for you if you have Afib.

Especially if this is done in a hospital and you have requested this weeks in advance, do not let them bait and switch to and say they have it and then deny you the safer infusion.

Had an allergic reaction to the infusion which was not supposed to be used for Afib.

I think the only way I could have avoided this would have been a command by the cardiologist in the test order.
Had to stay an extra 1/2 hour after this test and have an EKG test by an MD before I could leave because of allergic symptoms.

I have had 3 stress tests, one with treadmill and 2 Nuclear. I preferred the Nuclear because of my knees, I cannot do the treadmill. It was not so bad for me, but my results did not come out very good. I have AFIB and took the nuclear stress test anyway and they injected dye, but it did not bother me any.

Anyway, after reading the comments of other individuals, everyone is different and our bodies react differently to whatever tests they administer to us.

I am 80 years old and have had so many different procedures, from cauterizations, cardioversions, ablations, x-rays of my heart and none have really helped me. I still have AFIB and congestive heart failure as well as pulmonary hypertension, coronary disease, pooling of blood in my veins, etc. I told my 3 Cardiologists that I did not want any more procedures administered to me anymore and I will just let the chips fall where they may. I am just old and tired and am just taking one day at a time for whatever time I have left in this life.

I have an order to do nuclear stress test because the Cardiologist thinks I have Left Bundle Branch Block based on the recent EKG.
I am concerned that they make you drink some radioactive concoction before the test and the risks associated with this test. When I raised this concern, Cardiology nurse said; don’t worry about it you will be given coffee after the test therefore, you will pee out those radioactive stuff.
Is there another test which does not come with risks to look at the heart and the blood flow in it?