Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test is similar to a regular stress test, except that a small amount of a radioactive substance will be injected into your bloodstream before the exercise begins and during the final stage of the exercise portion of the test. After each of the injections your heart will be imaged using a special camera. This substance shows your cardiologist whether your heart muscle is receiving enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen to a particular part of the heart muscle can indicate blockages and subsequent tissue damage.