What is a nuclear stress test (NST)? A nuclear stress test uses an imaging machine and radioactive dye to create detailed pictures showing the blood flow into and out of your heart both while at rest and during exertion.

A nuclear stress test is done if your doctor wants to guide treatment of a heart disorder or check for a heart disorder. A nuclear can also help you and your doctor to understand how well your heart is pumping, if your heart is too large, and your risk for heart disease or complications.

How should I prepare for the test?

You may be asked not to eat, drink or smoke before the nuclear stress test. For an NST, you may also be asked not to have any caffeine before the test. Please avoid caffeine. This includes avoiding decaffeinated tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, and certain pain relievers. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the test. 

The test will take about 3 to 6 hours, with a break inbetween.

If you have an inhaler, please bring it to the test and inform your doctor or technician that you use an inhaler.

Medications: inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, you may be asked to discontinue a certain medication before the test. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting your doctor first. 

Hold the following medications for 24 hours before your nuclear stress test (unless you have chest pain on stopping medications):

Beta Blockers

Acebutolol (secral)

Bextaxolol (Kerlone)

Bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac)

Carvedilol (Coreg)

Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)

Naldolol (Corgard)

Nebiuolol (Bystolic)

Penbutolol (Levatol)

Pindolol (Visken)

Propanolol (inderal, InnoPran XL)

Sotalolol (Betapace)

Tenormin (Atenolol)

Timolol (Blocadren)

 

Calcium Blockers

Amlodipine (Caduet, Lotrel, Norvasc, Exforge)

Diltiazem (Cardizem, Carta XT, Dilacor, Tizac, Taztia XT)

Felodipine (Plendil, Lexxel)

Isradipine (Dynacirc)

Nicardipine (Cardene)

Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat, Nifedical, Nifediac)

Nisoldipine (Sular)

Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Veralan, Isoptin, Tarka)

 

Anti Arrhythmic

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Dronedarone (Multaq)

Flecanide

Proaffenon (Rhythmol)

Quinidine

Sotalol (Betapace)

Nitroglycerine Preparations

Isosorbide Dinitrate (Isordil)

Isosorbide Mononitrate (Imdur)

Nitrobid

Nitroglycerin Patch (Nitrodur, Nitrodisc, Transdermnitro, Minitran)

 

 

HOLD THESE MEDICATIONS FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR STRESS TEST (unless you have chest pain on stopping medications).

 

 

There is a $65 cancellation fee if you cancel your appointment without at least 24 hours notice.

 

 

If you have any questions, call our office at (732) 840-1900. You can also send us a message through your patient portal.