Can You Eat or Drink Before a Nuclear Stress Test?

If you have knowledge about what a nuclear stress test is, then the answer to this is “NO.” stress test requires the patient to walk or run on a treadmill, eating is not the option before the nuclear stress test.

The nuclear stress test is an activity that measures the flow of blood to the heart. The electrodes attached to the chest will monitor the impulses created by the heart when you are taking rest and when you are exercising, such as running at a consistent speed until you become weak or show signs of dizziness.

No, not just anyone can participate in the nuclear stress test. People who had previous cases related to the heart ailment and those who suffered a heart attack are eligible to participate in the nuclear stress test. The reason is that the test will provide insight knowledge to a cardiologist whether the patient is suffering from any other underlying cause that is making them show symptoms of dizziness, chest pain, and heaviness on the chest.

The human body concentrates solely on the digestive system after consumption of a meal. The enzymes released by the body, the acids, and the saliva together break down the particles of the food to produce energy. At this stage, the oxygen concentration reaching the heart is a little less.

Furthermore, as the stress test requires the patient to walk or run on a treadmill, eating is not the option before the nuclear stress test.

In addition to this, the patient who is part of a particular treatment should consult their respective doctors and speak about the dosage levels. There is a chance that certain medicines act as a barrier to the nuclear stress test and provide false readings.

The nuclear stress test is hugely helpful for people with a heart ailment. As the heart requires an additional amount of oxygen when under it is under stress, the nuclear stress test will additionally tell whether the obstruction is due to the previous health conditions or any other underlying diseases such as coronary artery disease.

Based on the nuclear stress test result, the cardiologist will get an insight into the amount of stress that the patient’s heart can handle. Depending on the conditions, the doctor will prescribe a suitable treatment plan that intends to reduce the blockage and help in improving the flow of blood to the heart.

A nuclear stress test is free from risks and warnings. However, since the test includes patients suffering from heart ailments, most of the laboratories or the medical offices of the cardiologist contain emergency kits and mechanisms to attend to an emergency in case the patient feels down or shows a sign of heart attack.

In the nuclear stress test, the cardiologist records the impulses created by the heart when the human system is at complete rest. They use cardiogram to record the impulses. Next, they will use the treadmill to carry an intense exercise activity that may last for more than 45 minutes. It varies depending on how long the patient can hold. The doctor again records the impulses.

As both the records are available, the cardiologist will explain in detail about the situation and the areas that restrict the flow of blood to the heart. Depending on the nuclear stress test results and considering other health ailments, the doctor chalks out a treatment plan that includes changes to lifestyle, the addition of needed exercise that the body can tolerate, and change in diet.

Also Read:

• What Does it Mean to Have A Negative Stress Test?
• Why is Stress Test Performed & How Long Do You Have to Run on a Treadmill for a Stress Test?
• What is the Purpose of a Stress Test?
• Can You Eat or Drink before a Stress Test?
• How Much is a Stress Test?
• What Do You Wear for a Stress Test & What is the Procedure for Stress Test?
• What is Involved in a Nuclear Stress Test?
• Can You Eat or Drink Before a Nuclear Stress Test?