Scintigraphy of the heart

Purpose of the examination

In heart muscle scintigraphy, blood perfusion of the cardiac muscle tissue is evaluated during physical exercise, and, if needed, at rest. This exam may be indicated for the following issues, among others:

• Ruling out coronary artery disease (CAD) when clinical probability is medium
• Evidence of reduced blood flow (ischemia) and of scars caused by heart attack
• Treatment evaluation (after bypass surgery or stent insertion)

Allow at least 3½ hours for the examination.

Diagnostic procedure

One of our doctors will take plenty of time to fully discuss your symptoms, any previously performed tests and treatments, as well as the procedure of the planned examination.

Next, an IV is placed in your arm.

Cardiac stress is necessary to gain important information about heart muscle perfusion in stress conditions. This stress will either involve using a stationary bicycle in a half-sitting position (as in a stress-EKG), or, if using a bicycle is not possible, a short-lasting vasodilator (Adenosin) will be injected. Adenosin may cause a warm feeling, pressure in the head, or shortness of breath. However, since the medicine is effective for such a short time, these side effects will ease soon after the injection. During the stress procedure, a trace amount of a radioactive substance in injected into your bloodstream. The radiation exposure is comparable with that of a CT scan. This substance is easily tolerated. There has never been any report of an allergic reaction.

Over the next 30 minutes, the injection will begin to take effect. We recommend eating a high-fat meal. This helps the liver eliminate the substance, and significantly improves the quality of the scan.

The imaging process is performed with the patient in a lying position (on the abdomen, if possible), in which a large camera rotates twice closely around the upper body, for about 30 minutes. This machine is not a closed tunnel. Instead, it is open on both sides, and makes no noise. Therefore, patients suffering from claustrophobia tolerate the process well. Throughout the examination, one of our medical technicians will assist you and remain within hearing distance.

After the examination, the IV is removed from your arm. The images are processed and submitted to the physician for diagnosis.

The findings report is prepared on the same or the following day and sent to the referring physician.

 

Important

Please discuss what drugs you take for your heart condition with your doctor before the examination.

If possible, beta-blockers should be discontinued 48 hours in advance. Please bring them with you so that you can take them after the first part of the examination.
Please bring a list of your current medications.

Please, if possible, abstain from eating before the procedure. For a morning appointment, do not eat breakfast; for a later appointment, only eat light, low-fat foods.

Please bring along some fatty food (for example, sandwiches with sausage or cheese) to eat during the two breaks between examinations.

Please do not consume coffee or black tea before your appointment!
Feel free to drink water.

Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to phone us.