Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging is a procedure that is performed to look at the blood flow to the heart, both at rest and under stress. We do this by taking images of the heart after a radioactive injection is given while the patient is at rest and stress. The patient will lie on a table while a camera rotates around the chest taking images (15 minutes each time). Once all imaging is complete, the cardiologist will compare resting blood flow to stress blood flow to determine if there are any blockages in the arteries that feed oxygen to the heart. There are three different ways to do a nuclear study. There are several factors that the doctor will consider before deciding which would be best for the patient (heart history, EKG, ability of exercise, and patient size, etc.) Below is a brief explanation of each type. If a patient still has some questions, they may call Louisville Cardiology and ask for the nuclear department.
One day nuclear
An I.V. is started and a detailed explanation of the test is given. The patient will be injected with a radioactive tracer while the heart is at rest. There are no side effects to this tracer. The patient will then have their resting images obtained. The next part is the stress test. After EKG electrodes are placed on the chest, a blood pressure cuff is put on the arm and the patient will begin walking on the treadmill. Once a target heart rate is achieved (dependent upon patient’s age), the patient is injected with another radioactive tracer (no side effects). This will show stress blood flow to the heart. The patient will then recover in a recliner and will be asked to eat a pack of crackers (either peanut butter or cheese) to improve the quality of the images that will be taken next. Once the images are completed, the technologist will check them to make sure nothing else is needed. The test may take 2 to 3 hours all together. The technologist will then give the patient an instruction sheet on how to obtain their results.
Two day nuclear
An I.V. is started and a detailed explanation of the test is given. After EKG electrodes are placed on the chest, a blood pressure cuff is put on the arm and the patient will begin walking on the treadmill. Once a target heart rate is achieved (dependent upon patient’s age), the patient is injected with another radioactive tracer (no side effects). This will show stress blood flow to the heart. The patient will then recover in a recliner and will be asked to eat a pack of crackers (either peanut butter or cheese) to improve the quality of the images that will be taken next. Once the images are completed, the technologist will check them to make sure nothing else is needed. The technologist will then give the patient their return time and preparations for the second day.
When the patient returns for their second day, an injection is given while the patient is at rest. Images are obtained 30-60 minutes later. The test takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours each day. After the technologist reviews the images, the patient will be given an instruction sheet on how to obtain their results.
PET scan
An I.V. is started and a detailed explanation of the test is given. After EKG electrodes are placed on the chest, the patient will lie on the scanner and will be made as comfortable as possible. A blood pressure cuff is placed on the patient’s arm and the I.V. is hooked up to the tubing that will be used to deliver the radioactive tracer. There will be four sets of images that are obtained. The first three sets of images are positioning and resting images. There are no side effects to this, but it will be very important to lie very still. The fourth set of images is done with the patient being stressed with a medication. There are side effects during this time that are thoroughly explained before and during the scan. The patient is monitored throughout the entire stress test. The side effects will quickly go away and the patient should feel back to normal once they are ready to leave. From start to finish, the test takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. The patient is given instructions on how to obtain their results.
- All nuclear tests are read on the same day, with results being available on the following business day.
PREPARATION:
- No caffeine 24 hours prior to exam. This includes regular/decaffeinated coffee, tea, or soda and any food containing chocolate. You may drink fruit juices, milk, or flavored water. However, you can only drink water on the day of your test.
- Nothing to eat, 6 hours prior to appointment time. Diabetics may take ½ of their normal insulin dose, with a piece of toast. All oral diabetic medication should be withheld.
- You may be instructed to hold other medications as well.
- No nicotine 4 hours prior.
- Bring completed list of medication, including dosage that you take every day.
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes – do not put on body lotion. Deodorant is O.K.
- If you cannot keep your appointment, call (502) 893-7710 and give at least 24 hours notice.
- Female patients must be positive they are not pregnant or breast feeding.
- Any patients who use inhalers: please bring them with you.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for registration
