Nuclear Cardio Stress Test

[azsenior 12]

Yesterday I had a nuclear cardio stress test. It was not requested by my WL surgeon, but by my PCP because of a fainting spell several months ago. He just wanted to rule out heart problems.

This test is in place of the treadmill test, but instead of huffing and puffing on a treadmill they inject a substance that causes the heart to beat fast. They take a CT-like scan before this injection and then afterwards to show the impact of the "exercise" on the heart and surrounding vessels.

My mother had a stroke and my father had heart disease, but I I have not as of yet been diagnosed with any problems. Of course being morbidly obese with diabetes and high BP, I was really afraid I would have a heart attack during the test. They didn't have to take me outta there in an ambulance so I guess my results weren't terrible, but I will find out specifics next week.

There were two cardiologists available in the office and they had me hooked up to an EKG and BP was taken every minute. Once they injected me with the stimulant material, I immediately felt dizzy and a little discomfort below my breastbone. They had warned me of these possibilities and also a headache which came a little later. I would say it only lasted 6-8 minutes. The technician told me people who are in better shape take longer to get their heart up to maximum capacity.

I read that the nuclear version has a better rate of picking up problems. Also, it is preferable for folks with knee or foot problems.

I would love to hear from others who had this test. It was not as bad as I thought it would be.

[Chicadee 10]

I had the same test. I was fine afterwards my only complaint because I was so heavy at the time was the length of time I had to spend laying on my back. It was excruciating to sit up afterwards. My test was fine, no ill effects afterwards.

[azsenior 12]

Juniorguru, it did hurt my back also for that component of the test. Thank goodness the technician was a pretty big guy to help me get up!