What is Nuclear Stress Testing?
A nuclear stress test (also called a cardiac SPECT study, or a myocardial perfusion imaging test) is an imaging test that shows how well the blood flows through your heart muscles to blood perfuses through your heart muscle. It can pinpoint areas of the heart muscle that are not receiving enough blood and show how well the heart muscle is pumping.
This test may be recommended if you:
- Have blocked or narrowed heart arteries
- Have had a heart attack
Patient Resources
New Patients
Are you a new patient? Below is everything you need to bring to your first appointment.
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Insurance & Billing
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Patients Forms
Looking for a specific form to bring to your appointment? Take a look at the patient forms we require below.
Learn MoreWhat to Expect During Nuclear Stress Testing
Schedule AppointmentInstructions prior to the test will be sent to you.
To start the nuclear stress test, your blood pressure will be taken, and electrodes will be placed on your chest and limbs to record your heartbeat. The electrodes will be attached to an ECG.
An IV is inserted into your arm. Radiotracer will be injected and resting images will be performed while under the camera. The stress portion of this test can be done lying down for those patients who are unable to exercise or walking/running on a treadmill.
At peak activity, the stress dose of the radiotracer will be injected and you will lay on the camera once again for a short period of time. Rest and stress images will be compared to evaluate if there are blockages causing your symptoms.
The test will take approximately three hours to complete.
Results
After your test, an Astra Healthcare provider will review your results, discuss them with you, and plan further testing and possible treatment options, if appropriate.
Schedule A Consultation
Don’t put off checking your heart health! An Astra Healthcare provider will walk you through the appropriate tests and treatments to ensure your heart is in working order. To schedule a consultation today, call our Phoenix, AZ office at 480-462-2716 or message us using our online contact form.
Dr. Samuel Unzek Freiman
MD, FACC, FASE, FASNC
With his years of experience as a cardiologist, Dr. Samuel Unzek offers the very best patient-centered care. From testing to treatment, he will be with you every step of the way to ensure you achieve optimal heart health.
