February is Heart Month-Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing Popular at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Veterans Memorial Hospital began nuclear cardiac stress testing within their Cardiac Rehab unit in 2008.  The convenience of having these nuclear tests offered on a local level has been well received in the community since it began.  

Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing offers two different methods, both highly effective in detecting heart disease.   These two forms of nuclear stress testing are called the Exercise Nuclear Stress Test and Lexiscan Nuclear Imaging.  Both methods can increase the likelihood of finding heart disease by 20% when compared to traditional treadmill stress tests. 

The number one cause of death in the United States continues to be heart disease. The term heart disease is used to describe several different conditions.  The data collected from a nuclear stress test is very useful in detecting these conditions.  This data includes:

• The size of the heart chambers.
• How well the heart is pumping blood.
• Where there is any damage to the heart.
• If there is any blockage or narrowing of the arteries to the heart.
• The effectiveness of any current treatments.

 While the traditional treadmill stress testing is still very effective, the nuclear cardiac testing has many advantages.  This test involves taking two sets of images of the heart-one at rest and one after the heart is stressed either by exercise or medication.  The aim is to find out if any areas of the heart muscle are not receiving enough blood flow during exercise. The additional information obtained from a nuclear stress test is beneficial for patients with known coronary artery disease and those with vague or non-classic cardiac symptoms.

Norm Peterson of Waukon shares his experience with heart disease and Cardiac Rehab experience. “I hadn’t been feeling well for quite some time and finally was able to get a pacemaker put in.  I was disappointed it didn’t make me feel better right away, but as soon as I started Cardiac Rehabilitation, I did start to feel better.  I had my pacemaker put in up in La Crosse and they recommended I come to Cardiac Rehab, otherwise I never knew this existed right here in town.  I wasn’t sure it would help me, but it sure has, plus my insurance covers it 100%.”

“I started smoking when I was in the service but quit in 1982 and it was the best thing I have ever done,” continues Norm.  “I have always worked hard every day and didn’t think going through Cardiac Rehab would be any different than that, but it sure is.  I hope I am helping others by telling them to do this program whenever it is recommended because it really helps!”

The process of having either the Exercise Nuclear Stress Test or the Lexiscan Nuclear Imaging stress test takes approximately 4 hours total.  The patient receiving the Exercise Nuclear Stress Test does still need to exercise on the treadmill while being monitored by the physician.   The Lexiscan, or chemical stress test, is a method that can be used on those unable to exercise due to arthritis of the knees, hips, or due to poor exercise tolerance.  These tests do have their limitations and some patients with severe COPD or Asthma should not undergo the chemical stress testing.  It will be up to the provider to determine which test is right for the patient.    Prior to this service being added to Veterans Memorial Hospital, many patients would have to go to a larger facility and have a cardiologist perform these tests.   

 These new nuclear stress testing methods, as well as the traditional treadmill stress tests, are offered at Veterans Memorial Hospital on an outpatient basis.  Any medical provider can write an order for these tests to be scheduled at the hospital.  Nuclear stress testing is available on Thursdays by local providers.  Traditional treadmill stress tests are available any day of the week.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease and before you start an exercise regimen to determine if you need a stress test.  For more information, please call the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411.