Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear stress test involves the use of single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan. It lets your doctor analyze your body's organs such as Heart, other tissues, and bones. A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures.
While imaging tests such as X-rays can show what the structures inside your body look like, a SPECT scan produces images that show how your organs are functioning. For instance, a SPECT scan can show how well blood is flowing to your heart; what areas of your brain are more active or less active; or what parts of your bone are affected by cancer. Because the radioactive tracer highlights areas of blood flow, SPECT can check for: Clogged coronary arteries. If the arteries that feed the heart muscle become narrowed or clogged, the portions of the heart muscle served by these arteries can become damaged or even die. Reduced pumping efficiency. SPECT can show how completely your heart chambers empty during contractions.
The Two Types of Nuclear Stress Tests
Exercise Nuclear Stress Test- In which exercise on a treadmill (TMST) is used to stress the heart and then SPECT is used to capture 3D images.
Chemical (Lexiscan) Nuclear Stress Test- Lexiscan is a medicine injected IV to induce stress on heart for brief moments prior to and after which SPECT scans are obtained to assess flow patterns in the arteries of the heart, which can then suggests presence or absence of any blockages in the coronary arteries.
