Nuclear ekg?

[Janith]

I’m not sure if it is called a nuclear ekg ...but it’s when they use an iv to speed up the heart ... how does it feel? My cardio wants me to have one. Should l?

[ncernaa]

I don't know. But I would prefer a stress test. I don't like being injected by chemicals.

[Hidden in reply to ncernaa]

My stress test sat in chair with chemicals iv

[Hidden]

Odd feeling but fleeting so ok

[Hidden]

I think you are talking about the stress test,They are done on a treadmill or they can be done with IV med that speeds up you heart. I have had them both ways. For me, I preferred to IV because my knees hurt too much on the treadmill It's up to you. Let your doc know which you would feel more comfortable with. They are both good tests and, IMO, often comes down to the doctor's preference. But it should be your preference. You are the patient.

[Janith in reply to Hidden]

Yes. I meant nuclear stress test. I think that you are correct. But it concerns me that it might trigger afib?

[Janith in reply to Janith]

Irina ... thank you!

[Hidden in reply to Janith]

Hi Janith. It could, as a-fib has so many triggers and one never knows what will set AF off. But if your AF is going to be triggered by the stress test it will happen on the treadmill also. Also, they have meds ready to give you IV if your heart rate goes too high. You are lying or sitting down and they don't have to pull you off the treadmill if problems develop. Either way, I would not have a treadmill test without an IV needle in my vein for emergency drugs. I haven't had to have one in a while so that may be standard now. When I still worked as a nurse this was not standard for treadmill patients. But I'm retired. Worth asking for one if you choose the treadmill. Needles aren't fun but the time to find a vein isn't when you need the medicine.

[Nanabrodie]

I was told that because I was on beta blockers i wasn’t able to do the treadmill and I had to have the IV. It was very strange and made me feel faint but didn’t last too long . It didn’t bring on my AF.

[mbheart]

Honestly, I did not like the IV nuclear procedure at all - weird feeling.

[BobD Volunteer]

Surely the point is not how it makes you feel or can it trigger AF but is it part of finding out how best to treat you ? Answer-- YES.

[graemeparsons in reply to BobD]

Depends on whoever carries out the procedure knows exactly what they are doing. First time i had it done they did stop my Bisoprolol 10mg although some staff thought that was a bad idea, it resulted in my heart rate 30 seconds into the treadmill taking off to over 200bpm and a doctor came rushing in to administer drugs to slow it down. as i mentioned on my reply second time i ended up with my Crohns flare and had to go back on meds for it. So i agree it is a necessary tool for the medics but only if they know exactly what they are doing, we all only get one crack at this life.

[graemeparsons]

I had this test because i could not stop taking my beta blocker, i experienced terrible pain very similar to when i had my heart attack. This resulted in a flare up of my Crohns disease, my gastroenterologist said it was possibly due to the stress because of the pain.

[grandadbren1]

I had the test and the iv ,you will have a cannula I your hand or arm i

was told I may feel sweaty and feel as if I had done a workout I did not really feel much different. It did not trigger my af and afterwards we went and had a nice meal out before going home my advice is treat it as a day out . I hope your results are good 👍🏼

[Hidden in reply to grandadbren1]

Good idea. Plan a reward for yourself for going thru a difficult experience. Something to look forward to-a little light at the end of the procedure tunnel.

[Janith in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[cat55]

Hi, I have had this done and, as is usual for me before any test, I worried myself silly. Just a bit of a strange feeling as the medication goes in, then feeling as if you are running for a bus when your heart rate increases. The comforting thing for me was being surrounded by hi tech equipment, knowing if I went into A-fib I was in the right place to get it sorted and being looked after by competent,pleasant staff who gave constant reassurance. Hope all goes well for you. Best wishes Kath.

[Flimmeri]

I had it and I have to say I felt terrible. The test is fairly quick, but I was not expecting feeling like that. I would rather run on the treadmill, eventhough it has triggered an Afib. But I have also heard some people didn’t find it bad. We all are different. Good luck to you!

[Janith in reply to Flimmeri]

How did you feel?

[Flimmeri in reply to Janith]

If I remember everything, it was quite awhilw ago. I felt this hot feeling and discomfort in the chest, also felt the heart going fast. It gave me a panicky feeling. Told the staff about it and they assured me it’ll be over soon, which it did. Said to myself never going to have that again. Now I am facing the same test in a month or so. I am going to ask if I could use the treadmill, but I am taking bisoprolol and propafenone, so not sure if that makes a difference. But as I said we all are different and this may not bother you at all.

[Janith in reply to Flimmeri]

Your description is precisely how l thought it would feel to me. I am researching alternatives to this test. My doctor ordered it when l was in emergency for my first afib attack. I refused it. I have only had two afib episodes. But recently because my cholesterol was a bit high... my GP thought that l should have a calcium ct scan. I did. My score was somewhat high. I then visited my cardio and he suggested this test. I panic very very easily. However, l exercise on a daily basis, am thin and never out of breath, etc. It is scheduled for next Friday. I’m so anguished over it. I want to learn as much as possible about it. So many thanks.

[mbheart in reply to Flimmeri]

I has the same exact feeling - if I was asked to have it again, I think I would have a panic attack or definitely, I would be very anxious. But if I had to do it, I'm sure I would very reluctantly.

[Janith in reply to mbheart]

I have refused the test. I know me ... l don’t want to put my body through that. Furthermore, too much radiation. I am trying to get approval for a heart MRI ... but very costly ... zero radiation... the gold standard ... shows everything!

[Janith in reply to Janith]

Thank you mbheart!

[Flimmeri]

You most likely do fine. You’re younger than me and have not had Afib for a very long time, like myself. So all of these make a difference. Keep us posted!