Your heart health should be a priority. Any issues with the heart could be life-threatening. A cardiac PET scan is a test that can check the blood flow to your heart. During the test, small amounts of a radioactive tracer will be injected into your veins.
A specialized camera that is used in a PET scan detects the radiation the tracers release. This creates computer images of your heart. This test is used in conjunction with medication that can open your blood vessels. The medication simulates what it is like when you exercise. It is used on people who are unable to run on a treadmill or use a stationary bike. During a cardiac PET scan, your doctor is going to use a combination of the scan plus the medication to see if your heart is getting a sufficient amount of blood while you are active as opposed to when you are resting.
A cardiac PET scan can help your doctors see how much heart damage you have sustained in the aftermath of a heart attack. It can also help you see how well your current cardiac plan is working and if adjustments need to be made.
Before your PET scan, it is good to talk to your physician about if you should make any changes to your medication routine or eating habits in the lead-up to the scan. The appointment to have the scan done will take between one and two hours. A cardiologist will typically review the results and then communicate them to your referring doctor.
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