how definitive is the nuclear stress test

[sisi1932]

I have had two nuclear stress tests in 5 years because of a stressful life and need for reassurance at age 76 that my heart is in good shape...don't exercise much, but am healthy, not overweight and in good shape. My question is, does carotid artery damage show up on these tests? And if not, what is the next step to check that area....I just need peace of mind...I have an invalided husband, and daughter and little grandaughter living with me, and the stress is huge...although I am of a peaceful nature.

[erijon]

A normal nuclear stress test will not show blood flow through the carotid arteries of the neck. In general, a nuclear stress test accuracy rate is 85% to 90% for CAD in your heart.

For the carotid arteries, the first test is usually an ultrasound, then an MRI or CT scan and the final test would be an angiogram.

Hope this helps,

Jon

[Angelicnorth]

Hi

I am not a medical person but as far as I am aware nuclear testing shows the blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle, this can detect any narrowings or blockages as well as areas of scar tissue from a heart attack.  The carotid artries supply the brain with blood and a carotid artery ultrasound is required to detect narrowing in these arteries.

So to answer your question nuclear testing will not show any damage/narrowing/disease in your carotid arteries.

What symptoms have you been experiencing?

Hope this information has been useful to you and I wish you the best of luck.

Helen