Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory

At First Coast Heart & Vascular Center our Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory is an essential in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Our laboratory is accredited and provides a comfortable and safe environment for every patient. Our knowledgeable and caring technologists are well trained and board certified.

Your doctor may request a nuclear stress test to:

• Diagnose coronary artery disease. If you have symptoms that might imply coronary artery disease, for example, chest pains or shortness of breath, a nuclear stress test can help verify if you have coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that provide the heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. Coronary artery disease arises when these arteries get damaged or diseased.  This usually occurs because of a buildup of deposits called plaques.
• Establish the size and shape of the heart. The images from a nuclear stress test can reveal if the heart is enlarged and it can measure the heart’s pumping function (ejection fraction).
• Determine treatment for heart disorders. If you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or another heart condition, a nuclear stress test can be helpful to your doctor to establish the right treatment plan for you and later in determining how well the  treatment is working you.