What medicines are used during a nuclear stress test?
The medicine used for this test is safe, but may have unwanted effects such as chest pain, shaking, trouble breathing, or skin flushing. There are two groups of medicines that may be used for a nuclear stress test: • Medicines working on the muscles: These medicines include dobutamine and arbutamine. They work by increasing the activity of the heart muscles. The contractions (pumping) of heart muscles are made stronger and faster to increase the heart rate. An increase in the heart rate will cause increased blood flow. • Medicines working on the blood vessels: These medicines include dipyridamole and adenosine. They work directly on the blood vessels of the heart. The arteries dilate (widen) to allow more blood flow. More blood flowing in the blood vessels carries greater amounts of oxygen to the tissues of the body. How is a nuclear stress test done? A nuclear stress testing can be done in a clinic, a caregiver’s office, or in a hospital. • An IV line is placed in a vein of the arm. •
