what is a nuclear stress test done for
Why it's done. Your doctor may recommend a nuclear stress test to: Diagnose coronary artery disease. Your coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. See the size and shape of your heart. 2  The images from a nuclear stress test can show your doctor if your heart is enlarged and can measure its pumping function (ejection fraction).
Definition. A nuclear stress test measures blood flow to your heart at rest and while your heart is working harder as a result of exertion or medication.The test provides images that can show areas of low blood flow through the heart and damaged heart muscle.The test usually involves taking two sets of images of your heart â one while you're at rest and another after you heart is stressed, either by exercise or medication.he test provides images that can show areas of low blood flow through the heart and damaged heart muscle. The test usually involves taking two sets of images of your heart â one while you're at rest and another after you heart is stressed, either by exercise or medication.