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

I once had a nuclear stress test because I have an aortic valve replacement and running on a treadmill was out of the question.

You just lie in a bed and they pump medicine into your IV and you’ll feel your heart beating faster when the meds go through your body and it actually feels like you’re running. Piece of cake!

I had the neucular stress test it wasn’t too noticeable as they race your heart.

Have done it a couple of times with no problems. Because I had to fly out the next day I got a note from the doctor since the isotope in the blood takes a couple of days to go away and might trigger the airport security sensor.

I’ve had three nuclear stress tests over the years, and my wife has had two. We’ve experienced no issues during nor after the tests. I was worried before my first one, and I did experience a warm feeling going through me, but that was years ago and neither I nor my wife have had any problems from the tests.

they are a breeze, you may need medicine but you are well monitored

Hi , I've done my nuclear stress test and got them it..I'm still on ramipril, rovastatin, aspirin. My f2f is considering adding a beta blocker, only considering a as my blood pressure. And hear rate goes to low and slow at times. I still have all the symptom s I did before. Hasn't given me any answers as too all what is even wrong... Except she blames it on my diet. , I'm a tea drinker....my arms go numb and cramp and feet.... Any suggestions????

I had one several years ago and it was a non-event. Though mine was a stress test using the treadmill so wasn't exactly fun as the tech kept upping the speed so I was definitely being stressed. But heart disease runs in my family so I did all the tests suggested including coronary calcium score, Endopat and others to try to detect critical issues and deal with them.

Hi, did you get any results...or are you still seeking them. Heart disease runs in mind as well. None of my family made it past their 60s. My father was 59.

I did a whole bunch of tests about 14 years ago when I was able to have Dr Arthur Agotsten as my cardiologist. At the time, the test included the Berkeley cardioprofile which, I understand is no longer being offered. The blood work covered a lot of information and the booklet given to the patient was really helpful in explaining stuff. That's where I found out that I have some genetic cardio issue.

But the good news is that, for reasons I don't understand but probably also genetic, I tend to make more of the larger non-sticky cholesterol molecules so at that time had a cardiac calcium score of zero. The stress test, carotid artery test, and Endopat results were also good. So I had some bad news and some good news I guess. I still have a really low calcium score and a recent carotid artery test also was reassuring. I cannot take statins as they caused severe myalgia so it was reassuring that despite whatever genetic bad news exists, I don't seem to be suffering a plaque buildup anywhere. At least I hope that's what these all mean, LOL.

What I found interesting is that my cholesterol dropped by 36 points over the past 4 months and about the only thing I've done differently is eaten tons of homemade applesauce because I like it. I think my cardiologist was surprised to see that point drop with no other change in diet or lifestyle. It's also good news because I cannot tolerate statins in any form.

I have the same reaction to hormone pills. So, I always stop them due to severe muscle cramping in arms n legs...gyn dr didn't listen...just dismissed it.