Nuclear Stress Testing

Nuclear Stress Testing at HRMC is a test to help to determine which parts of the heart are healthy and function normally and which are not. This procedure is performed by having the patient exercise to their maximum level. Once this is reached, a very small and harmless amount of nuclear substance is injected into the patient. The doctor will then use a special camera to identify the rays emitted from the substance within the body; this produces clear pictures of the heart tissue on a monitor. These pictures are done both at rest and after exercise. If any portion of the heart is not receiving a normal blood supply, the images will appear as a defect. Using this technique, the doctor will be able to identify the areas of the heart that have a decreased blood supply and he or she can evaluate your heart's general pumping function.