Nuclear cardiology stress tests produce images of the heart at work (during exercise) and at rest. These tests are quick ways to detect heart attack risk or unstable angina.

A common nuclear cardiology test is a thallium stress test, which injects small amounts of radioactive tracers into patients, who then exercise on treadmills or bicycles, followed by a rest period.

A special camera produces computer-generated, tomographic slices of the heart, tracking how much thallium reaches the arteries and heart muscle, and how much blood is being supplied to the heart. From this test, cardiologists can determine any blockages or blood vessel abnormalities.

For a referral to an expert nuclear cardiologist at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City, call 1 (877) 996-9334.