Myocardial perfusion imaging is a test that measures blood flow and function of the heart using a tracer or radioactive substance. It can diagnose heart disease, assess progress, and evaluate the success of surgery. The test has two parts, one at rest and one under stress, and can show scar tissue, evaluate arteries, and measure the heart’s ability to pump blood. Preparation for the test varies, and after the test, an individual may experience side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, or chest discomfort.
A myocardial perfusion imaging measures the blood flow and function of the heart. Individuals who get this test usually receive a tracer or a small amount of a radioactive substance, which will be used to track down heart problems. Healthy heart tissue will absorb the radioactive material and damaged tissue will be highlighted by it. Decreased blood flow to damaged areas of the heart may be one reason why the substance is not properly absorbed in these areas. This test can be used to diagnose heart disease and to assess an individual’s progress with existing disease.
An abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) may indicate the need for a myocardial perfusion imaging study. The test can show if there is any structural damage inside the heart. Individuals experiencing heart symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive tiredness when exercising, and chest pains can have this imaging done as a screen for heart disease they may develop in the future. Also, some doctors may use the test to determine the success of surgery, such as to confirm the accurate placement of a surgical device such as a coronary artery stent.
There are many heart problems that can be shown by myocardial perfusion imaging. It is possible to see any scar tissue resulting from a heart attack. The heart’s ability to pump blood adequately can be measured, and the arteries can be seen and evaluated. A camera that produces images based on gamma rays emitted by the tracer or radioactive substance is used to take detailed pictures of the heart. Photos will be taken at various intervals during the test.
Generally, the test will have two parts. The first part will evaluate the heart in a resting state, while the second part, commonly known as stress myocardial perfusion imaging, will evaluate the heart in a stressed environment. Typically, stress testing is done by having the patient walk on a treadmill. Individuals who are unable to participate in exercise may receive adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging. In this procedure, the patient will be given a drug called adenosine to put the heart into a state of stress, similar to that seen in a stress test.
The rest and stress test can be completed on the same day or on different days. Typically, the test is done on an outpatient basis, but it can also be done on an inpatient basis. Photos will be taken after each part of the test and will be compared afterwards. In general, there shouldn’t be a significant difference in the pictures of the two scenarios of a healthy heart. Significant differences may indicate a problem.
Preparation for a myocardial perfusion imaging can vary. While preparing for the test, your doctor will need to be made aware of conditions that could interfere with the test such as pregnancy, any medications you are currently taking, and allergies to any new medications that may be given during the test. Typically, patients will be asked not to eat within a certain amount of time before imaging is performed. After the test, an individual may experience nausea, fatigue, headaches, or some chest discomfort.
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