Advanced Heart Imaging for Accurate Cardiac Diagnosis

At Southwest Virginia Cardiology, we provide advanced diagnostic testing to help evaluate your heart’s health and performance under stress. A nuclear stress test offers valuable insight into how well blood flows to your heart muscle during exercise and at rest — helping our physicians detect blockages, measure heart function, and guide your personalized treatment plan.

Our team in Salem, Virginia, uses state-of-the-art imaging technology and the highest clinical standards to ensure your results are accurate, safe, and informative.

What Is a Nuclear Stress Test?

A nuclear stress test (also called a myocardial perfusion imaging test) measures blood flow to your heart both while at rest and during physical exertion or medication-induced stress.

The procedure involves injecting a small, safe amount of a radioactive tracer that allows our imaging system to create detailed pictures of your heart. These images help identify areas with poor blood flow, damaged tissue, or reduced oxygen supply.

This test is often recommended to:

• Diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Evaluate unexplained chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath
• Determine the effectiveness of previous treatments such as stents or bypass surgery
• Guide safe exercise and rehabilitation planning

Why a Nuclear Stress Test Is Important

Heart disease remains a leading health concern across Virginia and the nation, often developing without obvious symptoms.

A nuclear stress test provides precise and early information that can detect potential heart problems — before they lead to more serious events such as a heart attack.

Your physician may recommend this test if you:

• Have symptoms of angina (chest pain or discomfort)
• Have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Need to evaluate treatment success after cardiac intervention

This test allows our team to tailor your care plan with confidence — ensuring the best possible long-term outcomes.