Nuclear Stress Testing Specialist
TLC Medical Group Inc
Board Certified in Cardiovascular Diseases located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Stress testing might be necessary if a resting electrocardiogram (EKG) doesn't show any abnormalities. Board-certified cardiovascular expert Anthony Lewis, MD, FACC, of TLC Medical Group Inc in Port St. Lucie, Florida, has considerable experience in using nuclear stress testing to determine the cause of your cardiac symptoms. Find out how stress testing could help you by calling TLC Medical Group Inc or book an appointment online today.
Nuclear Stress Testing Q & A
What is stress testing?
Stress testing is a diagnostic procedure that combines an electrocardiogram (EKG) with physical exercise.
An EKG is usually one of the first diagnostic tests you have at TLC Medical Group Inc, following your initial consultation. This painless, noninvasive test is able to diagnose the majority of heart conditions, but there are some it can't detect.
If you have symptoms of a heart problem, but your EKG readings are normal, a stress test may reveal more information. When you exercise, your heart beats harder and faster, so the cause of your symptoms could become apparent even though a resting EKG shows no abnormalities.
TLC Medical Group Inc performs nuclear stress tests, injecting radioactive dye into your body to show how well the blood is flowing into your heart muscle. Nuclear stress tests are especially useful in detecting arterial blockages and damaged or dead heart muscle.
What does stress testing involve?
Your provider at TLC Medical Group Inc provides you with details of any preparations you need to make, such as when to stop eating and whether you can take your usual medications.
At the beginning of your stress test, a technician attaches electrodes (wires that have sticky pads on them) to your body. The electrodes pick up electrical activity in your heart and send it to the EKG machine.
When the electrodes are in place, you start walking on the treadmill, following instructions on how fast to walk. You increase your speed gradually until your heartbeat reaches the rate set by your provider, then you slow down again.
If you can't undertake the exercise on a treadmill because you're physically incapable, your provider can simulate the increase in your heart rate using medications instead.
What happens after the stress testing procedure?
When the exercise session is complete, you keep the electrodes on while your heart slows to its regular, resting rate. The EKG might detect useful information about your heart's function during this recovery period.
Your provider then analyzes the results before discussing them with you.
To find out more about stress testing and how it could help diagnose your heart condition, call TLC Medical Group Inc today or book an appointment online.