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Nuclear and Stress Testing

Nuclear and exercise stress tests help determine how well your heart functions and handles exertion.

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young male runs on treadmill with heart monitors

Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test, sometimes referred to as a treadmill test, helps determine how well your heart handles exertion. As your body works harder during the test, it needs more oxygen and requires the heart to pump more blood. The test can demonstrate whether or not the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. Additionally, it allows the physician to assess the kind and level of exercise appropriate for the patient.

Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test is used to evaluate blood flow to the heart. During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera then produces images of the heart. Combined with exercise, the test can help determine if there is adequate blood flow to the heart during activity and at rest.

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