Side Effects of a Nuclear Treadmill Test

A nuclear stress test, otherwise known as myocardial perfusion imaging, is used to image the amount of blood flow that enters the heart muscle. Much like a common stress test, the patient starts at a resting heart rate and then is subjected to stress by running on a treadmill or by medication that simulates exercise. During the exercise, a radioactive substance called "tracer" is injected into the patient's bloodstream through a vein, allowing physicians to see blood flow deep into the heart muscle. Side effects are rare but do happen.

Minor Chest Pain

• A rare and minimal side effect is chest pain that will last for a short period of time after the test. If the patient suffers from heart disease, the pain may be the result of the exercise during the test. If the chest pain becomes unbearable or lasts for more then a day, the patient should contact her physician.

Headache

• A common side effect of the radioactive substance is mild to severe headache that can last up to three hours after the test. The patient may take aspirin or acetaminophen if needed and the doctor approves.

Nausea

• A rare side effect is nausea that may be the result of the exercise during the stress test. A bitter taste in the patient's mouth may accompany the nausea.

Shortness of Breath and Irregular Heart Rate.

• It is a rare side effect, but shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat may occur. These side effects should last only for a short period after the test. If they continue, the patient should contact his physician.