Nuclear Stress Test

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Español

What do I need to know about a nuclear stress test?

A nuclear stress test shows how healthy your heart is and how well your heart works during stress. Your heart may be placed under stress with medicine or exercise. A radioactive liquid is used to help your heart show up better in pictures. Pictures of your heart are taken before and after you exercise or get medicine. The pictures help your healthcare provider compare blood flow to your heart muscle during rest and stress. Plan for 2 to 4 hours for prep time and the test.

How do I prepare for a nuclear stress test?

• Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your test. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything for a certain period of time before the test. Do not smoke or have drink caffeine for 48 hours before your test, or as directed.
• Tell your provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
• Tell your provider about all your current medicines. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the test, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your test.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you can exercise in to your test.
• Bring an inhaler with you if you normally use one during exercise.

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What will happen during a nuclear stress test?

• A healthcare provider will insert an IV and place electrodes (sticky patches) on your chest. Hair may be shaved to help them stick. Wires connect the electrodes to a computer. The computer records your heart's electrical activity. A provider will monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure during the test.
• Your healthcare provider will inject radioactive liquid into your IV. Your arm may feel cold when the liquid is injected. This should only last for a minute. You will rest for 20 to 40 minutes. Then your healthcare provider will take pictures of your heart. Keep your arms above your head and lie still while pictures are taken. This will be repeated after the test as well.
  • During a nuclear stress test with exercise, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bicycle. The exercise will get harder during the test. You will exercise until your heart rate has reached a certain level, or you start to have certain signs and symptoms. These include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or an abnormal blood pressure or heart rhythm.
  • During a nuclear stress test with medicine, your provider will inject medicine through your IV. This medicine will make your heart beat faster and work harder. You may have the same symptoms as with the exercise test. These symptoms should stop when your provider stops giving you medicine. Tell your provider if you have severe chest pain or dizziness. Other medicine may be given to treat severe chest pain or dizziness.

What should I expect after a nuclear stress test?

You will sit or lie down. Your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate will be monitored for several minutes. Your IV will be removed. You can return to your usual activities after the test, or as directed.

What are the risks of a nuclear stress test?

You may have an allergic reaction to the radioactive liquid. You may have low blood pressure during or right after the test. This can cause you to feel dizzy or faint. You may have an abnormal heart rhythm, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These risks usually go away after the test is complete. A heart attack is possible but rare.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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