Good morning, @bettysamny and @bay20740 Thought I’d pop into this conversation about having a nuclear stress test. I hope I can reassure you that it sounds much more intense and frightening than reality.

There will always be anecdotal stories by well meaning people, especially on the internet, of rare events that can happen. I’ve had several of these nuclear stress tests over the past several years, under some extreme health conditions, and breezed right through them.

In a large nutshell, you’ll be having some images of your heart and blood vessels taken at rest and after exercise. The radiotracer allows for a comparison of how your blood flows during those periods.

You’ll have a small IV line inserted in your arm. Mine is always just on the top of my hand and is painless.
Once that’s done you’ll have the radiotracer injected. It can feel a little cold but that’s all.
Next you’ll have some images of your heart taken by lying on a table. The camera moves over the top of you. This is not an MRI and you’re not enclosed. Though the camera is large and does come close to your chest. I asked the technician to talk with me during this so that I felt relaxed. I also closed my eyes the first time and kept focused on breathing. After that it was easy peasy.

After those first images, you’ll have some little EKG wires attached to your chest to monitor your heart. You might also be asked to do some breathing exercises, depending on the test.
Next, you’ll be on a treadmill to increase your heart rate. If you’re not able to walk on the treadmill, then there is a drug that’s given to increase your heart rate without exercise.
I’ve had it both ways and again, my anxiety was totally unfounded.
Once your heart rate is up, you’ll have another injection of the radiotracer and then have the final series of images. The first images taken with the radiotracer, allows the radiologist to see your circulatory system at rest. The second images show areas where your blood isn’t flowing freely during exertion and easily compared.
Then you get dressed and off you go! Drink plenty of fluids to help your body flush out the radiotracer.

I’m posting a link to the Mayo Clinic website that explains about the procedure. I’d like you to take your time and read through the entire article. It gives a great explanation as to why the test is done and what to expect during the procedure.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nuclear-stress-test/about/pac-20385231
Also, you are never alone! There are technicians and a nurse present at all times who are fully capable of responding ‘in a heartbeat’…pun in tended. ☺️
Does this help a little to allay your fears? And will you both let me know how you faired after the tests?