During the procedure, the EKG produces a reading called the ECG. Your heart will have an electrical signal that passes through your body. The ECG is taken outside of your body through a small, unobtrusive device known as a catheter. The device sends signals to a computer that organizes and interprets the information. The information produced from the test can be interpreted by your doctor. He or she will be able to tell whether or not your heart is functioning correctly based on the information from the test.
The symptoms of a heart attack will be different depending on how severe your condition is. If you have angina pectoris, the test can show a response to the nuclear stress test. In this test, the amount of blood supplied to your heart is measured. These results will be compared to the results from when your heart is at rest. You can be diagnosed with coronary artery disease if there are too many arteries clogging up your heart and causing it to function improperly.
Your test can also be used to diagnose heart failure if you have a milder form of it. The nuclear stress test will show your level of oxygenated blood. Your blood will be slightly lighter and have a more positive result compared to when you are at rest. This test can even be used to find out if or when a heart attack is imminent.
The test will also help your doctor know if you are at risk for heart attacks, strokes, or other health conditions like diabetes or lung disease. When your heart isn't functioning properly or is getting damage by high-intensity exercise, you are at greater risk for many kinds of diseases. When you take the cardiac stress test, your doctor will know if you have one or more of these disorders and what they may lead to. The tests are very useful for those who have been thinking about taking the test.
Before you decide to take the test, it is important that you consider what the outcomes could be. Although the test can detect some problems with your heart, it cannot prevent all health conditions. It is just one tool doctors use to assess the health of their patients. It is important to discuss what is the nuclear stress test with your doctor so that he can decide if you should undergo the procedure.