What do the results of a nuclear stress test usually indicate?

The stress test can reveal if you have normal heart function at rest and exercise. In some cases, the test may show normal blood flow to the heart during rest but not during exercise. Alternatively, there could be low blood flow both at rest and exercise. If the dye is not able to get to parts of you heart, this may indicate permanent injury like from a prior myocardial infarct. In general, if you do not have enough blood flow to the heart, you will need to undergo a coronary angiography- a test that can look at the exact anatomy of the heart blood vessels. If severe blockages are seen, the doctor may opt to open them with balloon angioplasty and/or stents. If there are many blockages, you may require open-heart surgery.