How to Prepare for Your Nuclear Stress Test

Name: How to Prepare for Your Nuclear Stress Test
Uploaded: 2018-10-24T13:13:43+00:00
Duration: 2 min 6 s
Description: When you schedule your nuclear stress test, you will get the following instructions: Don’t eat or drink after midnight before your appointment day, except for water or clear liquids. No smoking, no coffee or other drinks and food that have caffeine at least 12 hours before your stress test. If you have diabetes and take […]

When you schedule your nuclear stress test, you will get the following instructions:

Don’t eat or drink after midnight before your appointment day, except for water or clear liquids.
No smoking, no coffee or other drinks and food that have caffeine at least 12 hours before your stress test.
If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medication for your diabetes, do not take your morning dose, but do bring your insulin or diabetes pills with you.
Let your doctor know of any prescription drugs for your heart and/or high blood pressure. They’ll let you know if you should make any changes.
Bring a list of all the medications you are taking.
Wear comfortable clothing and walking or running shoes.
Bring a picture ID, your health insurance card, and your doctor’s referral form for your stress test.
For women, if you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, please tell the staff in nuclear medicine.

Some other things to keep in mind are:

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep.
You can bring your choice of music on CD or cassette tape to listen to while we do your scan.
You must bring a snack with you to eat at the hospital after your stress test.
If you can’t make your appointment, please call us as soon as possible.
If you have family members or someone with you, they can wait in the nuclear medicine waiting room, hospital lobby, or cafeteria.