Nuclear Stress Testing

Nuclear Stress Testing services offered in Santa Monica, CA

Nuclear stress testing provides detailed images of blood flow to your heart during rest, physical activity, or medication-induced stress. At Commons Clinic in Santa Monica, California, Jenica L. Ortega, MD, offers this advanced diagnostic test to evaluate coronary artery disease and assess how well your heart muscle receives oxygen. Dr. Ortega utilizes nuclear stress testing to detect blockages, assess chest pain, and determine the most effective treatment approach for your cardiovascular health. She takes time to explain the process and review your results with you. To schedule your nuclear stress test, call the office or book online today.

Nuclear Stress Testing Q & A

What is nuclear stress testing?

Nuclear stress testing combines a standard stress test with nuclear imaging to evaluate blood flow to your heart muscle, and utilizes a small amount of radioactive dye that gets injected into your bloodstream.

This dye travels to your heart and signals a special camera, creating detailed images that show which areas of your heart muscle get adequate blood flow and which areas might have reduced circulation.

The test happens in two phases:

Rest phase

You get an injection of the dye, then lie still while images capture your resting heart.

Stress phase

You exercise on a treadmill or get medication that makes your heart work harder if unable to walk on a treadmill. At peak stress, you receive another injection of the dye, and Dr. Ortega takes more images.

Dr. Ortega compares the rest and stress images to find areas where blood flow gets restricted during activity.

When is nuclear stress testing recommended?

Dr. Ortega may recommend nuclear stress testing if you:

Experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms that suggest coronary artery disease
Have had abnormal results on a standard stress test that need further evaluation
Need assessment before undergoing surgery or starting a new exercise program
Have a history of a heart attack and need remaining heart function analysis
Require monitoring after procedures like angioplasty or stent placement
Have multiple cardiac risk factors that warrant closer examination

Nuclear stress testing gives more information than a standard exercise stress test alone. It shows Dr. Ortega whether blockages in your coronary arteries limit blood flow to your heart muscle.

What happens during nuclear stress testing?

The test takes about 3-4 hours, though most of that time is waiting between the rest and stress phases for the radioactive dye to move through your body. You should skip caffeine for 24 hours before the test because it can interfere with certain medications used during the procedure.

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes during the test. Small electrodes on your chest monitor your heart rhythm throughout. The dye leaves your body naturally within several days.

After your test, Dr. Ortega reviews the images and talks through the findings with you. She uses the results to guide your treatment plan and determine if you need additional testing or interventions.

To schedule your nuclear stress testing consultation, call Dr. Ortega or book online today.