Nuclear Cardiac Testing is the gold standard of non-invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures. This study allows your physician to visualize the heart by injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your arm while you are at rest and doing exercise on a treadmill. For those unable to walk on a treadmill, the equivalent medical data can be obtained by using a drug to "stress" the heart (Adenosine or Dobutamine). The amount of radiation to which you will be exposed is comparable to that of an x-ray or CAT (CT) scan. The material is cleared from your body by natural processes.

Wear a button front or oversized shirt, loose fitting pants or shorts, and sneakers or rubber soled shoes. Don't wear pantyhose, leggings with stirrups, silk shirts, or clothing with metal buttons.No caffeine (i.e. tea, coffee, chocolate or soda) is permitted for 24 hours before the test. Otherwise, you should eat a normal diet.

Your physician will provide instructions regarding use or cessation of your usual medications.

The test is performed in our testing center which is located in Suite 126 of 1010 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, the same building which houses our main office. If your physician feels that cardiac nuclear testing is necessary in your case, please call a testing coordinator at 516-390-2499 to schedule your test.

(This summary is not intended to provide complete information about the study, nor is it a substitute for a discussion between you and your doctor. Please consult your physician for more information.)

If you are pregnant, suspect you may be, or are a nursing mother, discuss this with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.