Cardiac PET imaging is tool physicians use to evaluate how blood is flowing throught he heart as well as performance of the heart muscle. Physicians use the results of this scan to determine the presence oand/or extent of coronary artery disease, to plan treatment or to evaluate current or previous treatments.
Coronary artery disease, sometime called heart disease, is a condition in which blockages build up inside the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart.
The results of the blockages can be heart attack, heart failure or an abnormal heart beat.
Cardiac PET imaging reveals the blockages by using a nuclear PET camera and an imaging tracer. Pictures of the heart are taken during phases of rest and stress to reveal a complete picture of cardiac function.
Preparing for the Exam A staff member will contact you prior to your appointment to review all instructions. It is very important that preparation instructions are closely followed to avoid having to reschedule the Cardiac PET scan.
No food or drink 4 hours prior to the scan except water and medications as instructed.
No caffeine or aspirin products 24 hours prior to the scan (including soda, tea, coffee, chocolate).
No smoking or alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to the scan (including nictoine patches).
Some medications should not be taken prior to the scan. Our staff will reveiw these medications and instructions with you in detail.
Please wear comfortable clothing. The Exam Cardiac PET scans are completed in about an hour.Please bring a list of medications so that filling out paperwork will be quick and easy.Our highly trained medical staff will start by completely explaining the procedure.The staff can answer all of your questions at this time or at anytime, before, during and after the test.
During this stress phase, the medical staff will first administer a medication through your IV that will induce stress on the heart. These mediations may cause you to feel like you have been exercising. Patients sometimes experience a fast heart rate, headache, or a flush “warm” feeling during this portion of the test. Shortness of breath and chest pain may also be possible side effects. Be sure to let the medical staff know if you have any of these feelings.
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Cardiac PET imaging is tool physicians use to evaluate how blood is flowing throught he heart as well as performance of the heart muscle. Physicians use the results of this scan to determine the presence oand/or extent of coronary artery disease, to plan treatment or to evaluate current or previous treatments.
Preparing for the Exam