(Using a safe nuclear Isotope)
Nuclear stress test: This test helps to determine which parts of the heart muscle are healthy and function normally and which are not. A very small and harmless amount of radioactive Isotope is injected into the patient – through an IV, our technician uses a special camera to take pictures of the heart. This produces clear pictures of the heart muscle on our computer monitor. These pictures are done both at rest and after exercise. This test is read by one of our physicians. Using this technique an area of the heart muscle that has reduced blood flow after exercise will be identified if it is present. This would indicate an area of heart muscle that may have a decreased blood supply. This implies a blockage and further evaluation may be needed.