Recognizing and Responding to the Acute Cardiac Stress Patient

A cardiac emergency in SPECT/CT and PET/CT occurs infrequently but necessitates prompt recognition and an appropriate response. The emergence of ¹⁸F-based myocardial perfusion radiopharmaceuticals is anticipated to increase the use of cardiac stress testing; therefore, it is crucial for personnel, including nuclear medicine technologists in PET departments, to be equipped with proper training and competency to identify and manage deteriorating cardiac patients or emergency cardiac events. This article provides insight into the foundation principles of both cardiac stress testing and the use of adjunctive medications to manage patients after stress. The acute deteriorating nuclear cardiology patient is outlined, including recognizing crucial changes in vital signs and basic electrocardiogram interpretation. Key medications associated with an emergency response are detailed. Armed with these tools, nuclear medicine technologists can more confidently care for high-risk nuclear cardiology patients.