What Are the Risks of a Nuclear Heart Scan?

The radioactive tracers used during a nuclear heart scan expose the body to a very small amount of radiation. No long-term effects have been reported from these doses.

If you have coronary artery disease, you may have chest pain during exercise or when you take medicine to increase your heart rate. Medicine can be given to relieve this symptom.

Some people may be allergic to the radioactive tracers, but this is very rare.

Women who are pregnant should tell their doctor and technician before the scan is done. It may be postponed until after the pregnancy.