Nuclear Stress Testing
Bentley Heart
Board Certified Cardiologist & Nuclear Cardiologist located in
Our Services
Nuclear Stress Testing
Nuclear stress testing is an advanced imaging test that evaluates blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress. At Bentley Heart in Fort Worth, Texas, board-certified cardiologist and nuclear cardiologist Fahmi Farah, MD, performs nuclear stress testing to detect coronary artery disease and assess heart function with precision. To learn more about nuclear stress testing, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Nuclear Stress Testing Q & A
What is nuclear stress testing?
Nuclear stress testing is a diagnostic test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and specialized imaging to evaluate blood flow to your heart muscle.
Images are taken while your heart is at rest and again while your heart is under stress, either through exercise or medication. Comparing these images helps identify areas of reduced blood flow or prior heart damage.
Who needs nuclear stress testing?
Dr. Farah may recommend nuclear stress testing if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal EKG findings, or risk factors for coronary artery disease.
This test is especially helpful when more detailed imaging is needed beyond a standard treadmill stress test.
What happens during nuclear stress testing?
A small IV line is placed in your arm to administer the tracer. Images are taken while your heart is at rest.
You then exercise on a treadmill or receive medication that increases your heart rate. When your heart reaches the appropriate level of stress, additional tracer is administered and further images are captured.
The test typically takes a few hours and is performed under close medical supervision.
What happens after the test?
You can usually return to normal activities the same day unless instructed otherwise.
Dr. Farah reviews your results and discusses whether additional testing, lifestyle changes, or treatment is recommended.
To schedule nuclear stress testing at Bentley Heart, call the office or book an appointment online today.