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Are Nitroglycerin Tablets Permitted Before Undergoing Nuclear Stress Test?
My father is scheduled for a nuclear stress test. He takes nitro 0.4 mg prn. Lately, he has needed them 4-6 times a day. He had heart by pass surgery in 2004. Thus far, all indications are that there are no blockages. How many hours before the nuclear stress test can he take his nitro? He is concerned that with the chest pains he has and nitro being the only form of relief, that he may not be able to have the test.
Fri, 24 Jul 2015
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
He can take nitroglycerin tablets till the day before the test is scheduled. On the day fixed for nuclear stress test he should not take the medicine unless told by his doctor and if it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test.
Please discuss with his doctor if in doubt about his regular chest pain and discomfort. This is because taking the medicine might give an erroneous report and a serious problem might be missed. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
He can take nitroglycerin tablets till the day before the test is scheduled. On the day fixed for nuclear stress test he should not take the medicine unless told by his doctor and if it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test.
Please discuss with his doctor if in doubt about his regular chest pain and discomfort. This is because taking the medicine might give an erroneous report and a serious problem might be missed. Please do not worry.
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