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Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
(Nuclear Stress Test)
Definition
Myocardial perfusion imaging is a test
to look at the blood flow and function of the heart. It
uses a low dose of a radioactive agent.
Blood flow to the heart is best tested when your heart is working hard, so this test is usually done during
exercise. If you cannot exercise, your doctor may use a drug
to
increase your heart's workload.
| Blood Flow Through the Heart |
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| Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Reasons for Test
Myocardial perfusion imaging is used to look for
any damage to your heart. It may also help to determine your
future
risk of
heart damage.
Your doctor may recommend the
test to:
- Determine if you are at risk for a heart attack
- See if you need coronary angiography , angioplasty , or heart surgery
- See which areas of the heart muscle have poor blood supply
- Provide information about the heart’s pumping ability
- See the amount of scarring that occurred from a heart attack
- Check the success of angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Radiation exposure
- Heart attack (rare)
During the test, technicians will be alert for any signs of heart or lung problems. They will be ready to take action if complications develop. Your doctor will be available during the test as well.
What to Expect
Prior to Test
Before the test is scheduled, let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions that may limit your ability to exercise. If you cannot exercise, your doctor may order a drug to mimic exercise. Let your doctor know if you have any of the following:
- Asthma or chronic lung disease
- Arthritis, especially with your hips or knees
For 24-48 hours before the test, do not eat or drink any foods or take any of the medications listed below:
- Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, colas, or other soft drinks
- Foods containing caffeine, such as chocolate, including candies, frosting, pies, cakes, cookies, cocoa, or chocolate milk
- Over-the-counter pain relievers that contain caffeine, including aspirin
- Products that contain theophylline
- Dipyridamole
Your doctor may advise you stop taking medications before the procedure. Talk to your doctor before the test about any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have a history of allergies
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant or might be pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have any prosthetic implants in your body
Additional steps may include:
- You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 4-8 hours before the test.
- Wear loose clothing and low-heeled shoes with rubber soles or tennis shoes.
- If you smoke, you should avoid smoking for 1-2 days before the test.
Description of Test
A blood pressure cuff is placed on one arm. An IV is inserted into a vein on your other arm. Small, round pads are placed on your chest. They will monitor your hearts electrical activity. Your blood pressure and heart rate are monitored before, during, and after you have exercised.
A small amount of radioactive material will be passed into the bloodstream through the IV. The radioactive tracers concentrate in the parts of the heart that have the best blood flow. A special camera will show the parts of the heart that are not getting enough blood. These images are taken while you are at rest and while you exercise.
Your heart may first be monitored while at rest.
The exercise or “stress” part of the test is usually done with a treadmill. You begin by slowly walking on the treadmill. The pace
will gradually
increase. As you exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure will change. At your peak exercise, the tracer is injected into the IV. You will continue exercising for another one or two minutes so images can be taken.
If you are unable to exercise for any reason, the doctor may use a drug that mimics the effect of exercise on the heart. If you notice any changes in the way you feel, or experience any side effects, notify the doctor who is monitoring the test.
About
15-30 minutes after exercise, you will lie down on a special table. More images will be taken of your heart.
If you have
coronary artery disease
, you may feel chest pain or
angina
during the
test.
You may give you medication for the symptoms and the test may be stopped early.
Let the care center staff
know if you have any symptoms of jaw, neck, arm, or chest pain.
After Test
You will be able to leave after the test is done.
If
medication was given to increases the work of your heart, you may have
anxiety,
lightheadedness, nausea, shakiness, or shortness of breath. Let the care center staff
know if you have any of these symptoms. There is a possibility that you may experience some effects from the medication for up to 24 hours after the test.
How Long Will It Take?
The entire test takes 3-5 hours. You may receive the entire test in one day, or you may have each part of the test on separate days.
Will It Hurt?
In general, this test should not be painful.
Results
The doctor will compare the images taken of
rest with the images
taken during stress. If your heart is relatively healthy, there should be little or no difference between the images.
If your heart has partially blocked arteries, images taken during stress will be different from those taken at rest.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
- Your symptoms continue or worsen
- You develop any new symptoms
- You continue to experience side effects from the medications used
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org
http://www.heart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
https://www.canada.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
References
Cardiac nuclear medicine. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at:
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cardinuclear. Updated March 17, 2016. Accessed March 2, 2018.
Cardiac stress testing. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115175/Cardiac-stress-testing
. Updated September 29, 2017. Accessed March 2, 2018.
11/30/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115175/Cardiac-stress-testing
:
Einstein AJ, Weiner SD, Bernheim A, et al. Multiple testing, cumulative radiation dose, and clinical indications in patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging.
JAMA.
2010;304(19):2137-2144.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
- Review Date: 03/2018
- Update Date: 05/07/2014
