Nuclear Stress Test

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you 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 to 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.

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 to 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.

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.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat

Seek care immediately if:

• You feel weak, dizzy, or faint.

Call your doctor if:

• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have pain, redness, or swelling in the area where the medicine was injected.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Self-care:

The radioactive liquid will be in your body for 24 to 36 hours after your test. You will need to do the following:

• Drink plenty of liquids as directed. This will help flush the radioactive liquid out of your body. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after you urinate or have a bowel movement. The radioactive liquid leaves your body through your urine and bowel movements. Anyone who touches your urine or bowel movements should also wash his or her hands.
• Limit time to cuddle and hug children under 3 years old. Limit close time for up to 18 hours after your test.
• Do not breastfeed for 1 day after your test or as directed. Pump your breast milk and pour it out.

Heart-healthy tips:

• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
• Create an exercise plan with your healthcare provider. Do not begin an exercise plan before you talk to your provider. Exercise helps to lower high cholesterol, blood sugar, and high blood pressure. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a weight loss plan, if needed. A weight loss of 10% can improve your heart health.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your meal plan. Choose low-fat foods, such as skim or 1% fat milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt, fish, chicken (without skin), and lean meats. Eat two 4-ounce servings of fish high in omega-3 fats each week, such as salmon, fresh tuna, and herring. Do not eat foods that are high in sodium, such as canned foods, potato chips, salty snacks, and cold cuts. Put less table salt on your food.
• Limit or do not drink alcohol. Ask your provider if it is okay for you to drink alcohol and how much is okay to drink. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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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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