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

Posted by Gail, Alumni Mentor @baxtersmom, May 17, 2017

I had an EKG and my doctor dictated that it showed the following: Sinus Rhythm 79 PVC Inferior Lateral ST Depression. My doctor has ordered a nuclear medicine stress test because I have some back problems and I was concerned about doing the treadmill stress test. I guess I have two questions/concerns and wondered if anyone might shed some light on either of them. First, what does this dictation that my doctor put in my record mean about my EKG? I have had a benign PVC all of my life but don't know if this is the same thing. I had been feeling like my chest was heavy and very tired, a little breathless sometimes which is why I went in to the cardiologist. Second, has anyone had a nuclear medicine stress test? I am concerned about the side effects and not being able to control them. I read about some of them and saw that the FDA had issued a warning about risks with nuclear medicine stress tests. Then I saw on the Mayo Clinic site that the nuclear medicine test may be more accurate and if the regular treadmill one isn't conclusive, I might end up having to do the nuclear one anyway. It was an ECO stress test I had many years ago when the benign PVCs were discovered. I am really afraid of doing the nuclear test. Please guide me if you can.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

debra54 | @debra54 | May 10, 2023

I was worried also bout nuclear stress test but was worrying for nothing cuz test is pretty simple..in my case, all heart tests were good..had echo test, cardiac mri and ct...I had chest tightness us why I was tested but for me, come to find out, it was my esophagus, it was almost closed. Not even pills were going down. Took 1 simple test after Mos to find problem so if u have any gi problems get checked out by gi dr also.

cphillips1300 | @cphillips1300 | May 10, 2023

I had one 5 months ago.it does make your heart beat faster.It may feel a little hot.The test doesn’t take long.If for some reason you feel like you can’t finish the test.They can give you something to stop it. I believe you are going to be alright.Ask the lord for guidance.He will be at your side all the way through.Don’t worry.God bless🤗🙏

saleha59 | @saleha59 | Sep 24, 2023

I know this is an older question, but I did not see anyone talk about any side effects. I just had one last week.
First of all, it is not safe. You are being injected with 'radioactive' tracer. It can cause cancer at some point in your life. It is much stronger than any type of x-rays. Also, I could not do the walking on treadmill so I was injected with more stuff. It took about 3 hours. I felt fine all day. By the end of the day, stomach pains took over. Then came the nausea. Diarrhea, throwing up, cold sweat, it was HORRIBLE. Then the diarrhea turned to blood. I was ready to die. I also did not sleep for 2 days. I did research about this afterward because NOONE talked about any side effects. Then I learned, that afterward, I was supposed to take a shower, continually wash my hands and stay away from children and pregnant women because I will give off radiation for a couple days. Well that second day, my boyfriend got sick and was throwing up too. I will NEVER get a nuclear stress test again. It certainly is not safe and the side effects almost killed me.

jsheils64 | @jsheils64 | Sep 29, 2023

Has anyone had experience with metoprolol , BP medication, shortness of breath, etc..

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 3, 2023

In reply to @saleha59 "I know this is an older question, but I did not see anyone talk about any..." + (show)

Hi @saleha59. I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the nuclear stress test. While you are being injected with a nuclear tracer and radiation exposure can be linked to cancer, the research shows that it takes prolonged/repeated exposure or higher doses of exposure than are used in a nuclear stress test.

Everyone does react to medications and procedures differently, but typically exposure to others is not a side effect and drinking plenty of fluids flushes out any small radiation and the tracer itself with 24 hours. Each provider may instruct you to proceed differently following the procedure.

Many of the unfortunate side effects you experienced are listed as possible side effects, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/nuclear-stress-test/about/pac-20385231.

@saleha59, despite your bad experience with the test, were you able to learn anything through the results of your test?

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 3, 2023

In reply to @jsheils64 "Has anyone had experience with metoprolol , BP medication, shortness of breath, etc.." + (show)

Hi @jsheils64, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Here a few discussions on metoprolol you may find worth your time exploring and participating in:

- Side effects of metoprolol? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metoprolol/
- Metoprolol https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metoprolol-5/

shani | @shani | Oct 4, 2023

In reply to @saleha59 "I know this is an older question, but I did not see anyone talk about any..." + (show)

I agree! I’ve also had several brushes with death throughout my lifetime because of being talked into these ‘’special’’ dyes etc/ garbage being ‘’necessary’’! Now, I’ve learned to say ‘’No! that radiologist will just have to put on his bifocals’’! That goes for all the CT’s, MRI’s!….which, granted, are better than pneumoencephlograms in the 1970’s but come with a price. So I’ll have more life and eventually die not having such precise info. Fine tradeoff for me!

gowens911 | @gowens911 | Oct 4, 2023

In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @saleha59. I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the nuclear stress test. While you..." + (show)

Echo stress
Very good alternative

Also, Tc has 6hr 1/2 life and is gone in 60 hrs

Yes, water will flush it more quickly

SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Oct 5, 2023

I’ve had it several times and have never had a problem.
Both of my knees have been replaced so I can’t run.

stanway | @stanway | Oct 29 3:31pm

In reply to @loribmt "Good morning, @bettysamny and @bay20740 Thought I’d pop into this conversation about having a nuclear stress..." + (show)

@loribmt

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?

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@loribmt
How long is the treadmill portion usually & how much BP increase is expected?

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