Nuclear Stress Test Specialist

What are nuclear stress tests?

Nuclear stress tests are advanced imaging tests that help your medical specialists identify problems in their early stages. This kind of test uses tiny amounts of a radioactive substance (radiotracers) to reveal the structure and function of your heart.

Nuclear stress tests are safe. Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington uses a tiny amount of radiation, along with highly advanced equipment.

What kinds of nuclear stress tests are available?

As cardiology specialists, the team at Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington regularly performs the following kinds of nuclear stress tests.

Cardiac PET scans

A cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan captures images of your heart. It can reveal coronary artery disease and heart damage from a previous heart attack. A cardiac PET scan can also help your medical team determine the proper treatment.

MUGA scan

Multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scans produce images of your lower heart chambers. A MUGA scan shows how effectively your heart pumps during heartbeats. This test reveals heart chamber abnormalities and blood flow problems.

A MUGA scan provides your doctor with more details about a potential heart problem if you’ve had an abnormal echocardiogram (echo) or electrocardiogram (EKG).

Myocardial perfusion SPECT

Myocardial perfusion SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) is a nuclear stress test that captures images of your heart. It’s similar to a cardiac PET scan, but a myocardial perfusion SPECT uses different radiotracers. This test reveals coronary artery disease and tissue damage caused by a heart attack.

These nuclear stress tests allow your technician to receive images of your heart while you’re at rest and while you exercise.

How do I prepare for nuclear stress tests?

One of your Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington providers gives you detailed information before your scheduled nuclear stress test.

Generally, instructions include:

• Wearing loose clothes
• Layering your clothing in case you get hot
• Wearing flat, comfortable shoes
• Possibly making temporary medication changes
  
  

In some cases, you’ll need to fast before your nuclear stress test.

Nuclear stress tests are a safe, painless way to assess your heart function with peak accuracy. Talk to the friendly providers at Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington today by phone, or click the online scheduler to book your appointment.