Nuclear Stress Tests
A nuclear stress test uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) and an imaging machine to create pictures showing the blood flow to your heart. The test measures blood flow while you are at rest and during activity, showing areas with poor blood flow or damage in your heart.
Ways to Prepare…
1 - Nothing to eat or drink six hours before the test (fasting)
2 - ***No caffeine from the NOON meal the day before - no coffee, tea, soda, chocolate - including decaffeinated products.
3 - Comfortable shoes or sneakers - no heels, sling backs, or sandals.
4 - Loose, comfortable clothing - no metal on shirt such as zippers, snaps or metal buttons (Women) weak slacks or skirts- no one piece dresses or long slips - no girdles or long line bras.
5 - Bring a light snack if you wish.
6 - If you cannot speak English, please bring an interpreter.
7 - To ensure a proper connection of the EKG, upper body must be clean, dry and free of any oils, lotions or powders.
8 - You will be here approximately 3-5 hours.
**** Diabetics - do not take your diabetic medications the morning of the test- bring them with you with a snack.
The nurse usually calls the day before to go over the medications you can or cannot take.
At this time, we are only performing Stress Tests in our Edison and Monroe locations.