Nuclear Stress Test 

in Daytona Beach, FL

Diagnose symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, or fatigue by monitoring both the electrical activity and blood circulation in your heart during exercise.


Cardiac testing can be nerve racking, but we are here to make it as straight forward as possible. No one plans on having heart problems, but if you do you need to find a doctor you can trust. At Complete Cardiology Care we staff Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists that perform texcercise stress test on patients in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, Deltona, Deland, and the surrounding areas.

NST in daytona beach and titusville

Performed on a treadmill

or while sitting

NST in daytona beach and titusville

Trigger symptoms in a controlled setting

NST in daytona beach and titusville

Find out if you have blockages

MaiCam 180 Dual Head Portable Cardiac Camera

What is a nuclear stress test?

A nuclear stress test is very similar to a regular stress test, except it also includes imaging of your heart and radioactive dye in your veins. This test takes pictures of blood flow to your heart by first injecting radioactive dye into your veins before the images are taken.


Images of your heart's activity are then taken at two stages. The first of which is taken while you are at rest, and then images are taken when you are exercising. The pictures will show how much of the dye reached various areas of your heart during the two stages - areas where there is little or no dye flow indicate possible blockages.


Imaging stress tests tend to detect congenital heart disease and can also predict the future risk of heart attack better than standard, non-imaging stress tests.




NST in daytona beach and titusville

Our office only uses both equipment and staff that have been certified by the IAC. The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) is a nonprofit, nationally recognized accrediting organization. The IAC was founded by medical professionals to advance appropriate utilization, standardization and quality of diagnostic imaging and intervention-based procedures. The IAC programs for accreditation are dedicated to quality improvement and patient safety and all support one common company mission: Improving health care through accreditation®.

  • Why do I need a nuclear stress test?

    You may need a nuclear stress test if you have signs or symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain or shortness of breath. A nuclear stress test may also be used to guide your treatment if you've been diagnosed with a heart condition. Your doctor may recommend a nuclear stress test to diagnose coronary artery disease or determine other treatment plans.

  • How long does a nuclear stress test take?

    You can expect to be in the office for 1-2 hours.

  • How can I prepare for a nuclear stress test?

    • Do not smoke or eat a heavy meal before this test.
    • Wear flat, comfortable shoes (no bedroom slippers or sandals) and loose, lightweight shorts or sweatpants. Walking or running shoes are best.
    • Do not take Beta-Blocker medication day of test.

    Tell your doctor if:

    • You are taking any medicines.
    • You are taking medicine for an erection problem (such as Viagra). You may need to take nitroglycerin during this test, which can cause a serious reaction if you have taken a medicine for an erection problem within the past 48 hours.
    • You have had bleeding problems, or if you take aspirin or some other blood thinner.
    • You have joint problems in your hips or legs that may make it hard for you to exercise.
    • You have a heart valve problem.

  • What happens before a nuclear stress test?

    • You may want to stretch your arm and leg muscles.
    • You may have to remove certain jewelry.
    • You will have a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm.
    • Small pads or patches (electrodes) will be attached to your skin on your chest. 

  • What happens during a nuclear stress test?

    Before you start the test, a nurse or technician inserts an IV line into your arm and injects the radiotracer (also called a radiopharmaceutical).


    The radiotracer may feel cold when it's first injected into your arm. It takes a few minutes for your heart cells to absorb the radiotracer. Once it does, you'll lie still on a table or sit in a chair and have your first set of images taken while your heart is at rest.


    You may be asked to breathe into a tube during the test to show how well you're able to breathe during exercise.


    If you can't exercise, your doctor will inject a medication into your IV line that increases blood flow to your heart. Possible side effects may be similar to those caused by exercise, such as flushing or shortness of breath. You might get a headache.


    If your nuclear test is combined with a traditional exercise stress test, you'll be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. You'll start slowly. The exercise gets more difficult as the test continues. You can use the railing on the treadmill for balance. Don't hang on tightly, as this may alter the results.


    You'll continue exercising until your heart rate has reached a set target or you develop symptoms

  • What happens after a nuclear stress test?

    After you stop exercising, you might be asked to stand still for several seconds and then lie down for a short while with the monitors in place. Your doctor can watch for any problems as your heart rate and breathing return to normal.


    When the test is complete, you may return to normal activities unless your doctor tells you otherwise. The radioactive tracer will naturally leave your body in your urine or stool. Drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer out of your system.

  • What else should I know?

    No electricity passes through your body during the test. There is no danger of getting an electrical shock.


    During the test, tell your doctor if:

    • You have chest pain.
    • You are very short of breath.
    • You are lightheaded.
    • You have other symptoms.

Find out if that chest pain is heart related or something else

If you are curious about exercise stress testing in Daytona Beach, FL please reach out to us. We are currently accepting new patients. Complete Cardiology Care staffs Cardiologists and Electrophysiologist that serve patients in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, Deltona, Deland, and the surround areas.


Our Cardiologists and Electrophysiologist take nearly all insurances. We accept Aetna, AARP Medicare Complete, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Cigna, Florida Healthcare, Florida Hospital Care Advantage, Freedom Health, Health First Health, Humana PPO - out of network benefits apply, Medicare, Optimum Healthcare, Railroad Medicare, Tricare, United Healthcare, VHN, Wellcare.


​We are also a partner with the VA and are proud to serve those who have served our country!


Self Pay Cardiology services are available too! Call and ask for our price list.