Question 1

i had a nuclear stress test about 20 years ago. i cant even remember the name of the doctor. thinking now my radiation exposure. how much is there? dont know what meds were used. regret having it now. was unnecessary?

Accepted Answer

Radiation dose: The radiation dose from nuclear stress tests is very low, not nearly high enough to cause any health risk at all. In the past 20 years, you've had far more radiation exposure from natural sources (cosmic rays, etc) than from that test. This is nothing to be worried about.

Question 2

how often can nuclear stress test be safely  repeated, would doing two tests in 4 month be safe. any radiations concerns. ?

Accepted Answer

No sig danger: The amount of radiation is pretty minimal. If its indicated, it should be fine but why repeat it after only 4 months?

Question 3

does a stress mri or stress pet provide the same diagnostic information as a resting/exercise nuclear stress test (mibi). ive had many scans and am looking for alternatives to reduce exposure. thank you?

Accepted Answer

: A nuclear stress test has significant radiation exposure, equivalent to 400 chest xrays.  A MRI stress test has no radiation but uses IV gadolinium, a dye. I believe a PET Scan stress test has to use CT scanning which exposes you to significant radiation. I also believe that MRI stress testing is not readily available at most medical facilities

Question 4

ct scan abdomen/chest w/o contrast --- march 2020
ct scan abdomen/chest w/contrast --- july 2020
ct scan abdomen/chest w/o contrast --- january 2021
hida scan --- may 2021
nuclear stress test --- scheduled june 2021
cumulative radiation problem?

Accepted Answer

: The use as described of both CT scans over the interval described can exceed the cumulative recommended radiation dose. Consult a radiation oncologist to determine if specific surveillance is necessary. When appropriate,   "plain films" are still very useful to avoid this cumulative effect of CT imaging, as far less radiation exposure results.

Question 5

will a nuclear stress test make me radioactive? im having a nuclear stress test, and i need to know if its safe for me to babysit my grandkids after it? will i be radioactive? could i be dangerous to the kids?

Accepted Answer

You : You will be sufficiently radioactive to set off alarms at airports, ferry terminals, and border crossings.  The sensitivity of these devices is high on purpose.  However, the amount of radiation a patient emits after a cardiac nuclear scan is not considered dangerous to others.  Notice that the technologists who perform these tests do not wear lead or other radiation protection and they are around "radioactive" patients every day.  For the sake of completeness, however, i will add that pregnant women should not undergo this test and anyone who thinks they might be pregnant should have a pregnancy test before having any kind of radionuclide scan.

Question 6

can a nuclear stress test cause you problems?

Accepted Answer

Typically not: The only "risk" would be during the stress part, when one runs on a treadmill or gets a drug alternative. However, there is little risk here because this is monitored with an ekg and supervised by a cardiologist/nuclear physician. One drug that is used for stress even has an agent that can reverse its side effects. In summary, under normal standard-of care-conditions, there should be little risk.

Question 7

does a nuclear stress test tell you how much blockages you have?

Accepted Answer

No.: These studies provide functional information regarding if blockage is actually producing reduced flow to a section of the heart.  It does not quantify how much blockage is present.

Question 8

what does a nuclear stress test show that a regular stress test wouldn't?

Accepted Answer

Heart pictures: A standard stress test determines  your exercise toleratnce, which is often a measure of heart function, and also can measure electrical abnormalities that suggest heart muscle damage. The nuclear test does the same but adds pictures of the blood flow to your heart, heart muscle pumping performance, and possible heart muscle damage. Discuss with the cardiologist doing the test. Good luck!

Question 9

my cardiology order a nuclear stress test can you explain what is this thanks?

Accepted Answer

Stress test that: includes the use of an injectable material to help visualize areas of the heart while you are active.  It is more sensitive than the standard stress test.

Question 10

what is the average cost of a cardiac nuclear stress test?

Accepted Answer

Varies: It varies depending on type of stress e.g. Treadmill or which pharmaceutical. It also varies by location if you do it in a doctor's office or clinic or hospital. Practices charge a wide range too. A wide range from 400s to 900s or higher for cash patients. What insurances pay and copays may be a lot different. 
http://health.costhelper.com/stress-tests.html.

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Doctor answers about:

Nuclear stress test radiation exposure

A member asked:

I had a nuclear stress test about 20 years ago. i cant even remember the name of the doctor. thinking now my radiation exposure. how much is there? dont know what meds were used. regret having it now. was unnecessary?

A member asked:

How often can nuclear stress test be safely repeated, would doing two tests in 4 month be safe. any radiations concerns. ?

A member asked:

Does a stress mri or stress pet provide the same diagnostic information as a resting/exercise nuclear stress test (mibi). ive had many scans and am looking for alternatives to reduce exposure. thank you?

A member asked:

Ct scan abdomen/chest w/o contrast --- march 2020 ct scan abdomen/chest w/contrast --- july 2020 ct scan abdomen/chest w/o contrast --- january 2021 hida scan --- may 2021 nuclear stress test --- scheduled june 2021 cumulative radiation problem?

A member asked:

Will a nuclear stress test make me radioactive? im having a nuclear stress test, and i need to know if its safe for me to babysit my grandkids after it? will i be radioactive? could i be dangerous to the kids?

A member asked:

Can a nuclear stress test cause you problems?

A member asked:

Does a nuclear stress test tell you how much blockages you have?

A member asked:

What does a nuclear stress test show that a regular stress test wouldn't?

A member asked:

My cardiology order a nuclear stress test can you explain what is this thanks?

A member asked:

What is the average cost of a cardiac nuclear stress test?

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