Nuclear Scan

Cardiovascular System Tests: Nuclear Heart Scan

A nuclear heart scan (also known as a thallium stress test) shows areas of the heart that lack blood flow and are damaged. It also can reveal problems with the heart's pumping action. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein, usually in the arm. A scanning camera positioned over the heart records whether the nuclear material is taken up by the heart muscle (this indicates healthy areas) or not (this indicates damaged areas). The camera can also evaluate how well the heart muscle pumps blood. A nuclear heart scan can be done during both rest and exercise, enhancing the usefulness of its results.