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 is tested when the heart is working hard. During the test, exercise or a drug may be used to increase the heart's workload.
Blood Flow Through the HeartCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Reasons for Test TOP
Myocardial perfusion imaging is used to:
- Assess a person's risk for a heart attack
- See if a person needs procedures such as coronary angiography, angioplasty, or heart surgery
- Learn more about the heart’s pumping ability
- Check for heart damage from a heart attack
- See if angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery worked well
Possible Complications TOP
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen such as:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Radiation exposure
- Heart attack (rare)
During the test, the doctor and technicians will watch for any signs of heart or lung problems. They will be ready to act if problems develop.
What to Expect TOP
Prior to Test
The doctor may meet with you to talk about:
- Any allergies or other conditions you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the test
- Fasting and avoiding certain food or drinks in the days or hours before the test
- Whether you need a ride to and from the test
Description of Test
A blood pressure cuff is placed on one arm. An IV is inserted into a vein on the other arm. Small, round pads are placed on the chest. They will monitor the heart's electrical activity. Blood pressure and heart rate are checked before, during, and after exercise.
A small amount of radioactive material will be given through the IV. This material will show parts of the heart with good blood flow. A special camera will show parts of the heart that are not getting enough blood. These images are taken during rest and exercise.
The heart may first be checked while at rest. The exercise or “stress” part of the test usually involves walking on a treadmill. Walking will be slow at first and then get faster.
For those who cannot exercise, the doctor may give a special drug. The drug makes the heart act as if the person was exercising.
About 15 to 30 minutes after exercise, images will be taken of the heart.
Those with coronary artery disease may feel chest pain or angina during the test. The doctor may give medicines and stop the test.
After Test TOP
You will be able to leave after the test is done.
If medicine was used to increase the work of the heart, there may be side effects. They may include anxiety, lightheadedness, nausea, shakiness, or problems breathing. The care staff needs to know about any symptoms.
How Long Will It Take? TOP
The entire test takes 3 to 5 hours. It may be done in one day or in parts over several days.
Will It Hurt? TOP
In general, this test should not be painful.
Results TOP
The doctor will look at the images and discuss them with you.
Call Your Doctor TOP
Call your doctor if you have:
- Symptoms that continue or get worse
- Any new symptoms
- Ongoing side effects from the medicines
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca
REFERENCES:
Cardiac nuclear medicine. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/cardinuclear. Accessed September 3, 2021.
Cardiac stress testing. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/cardiac-stress-testing. Accessed September 3, 2021.
Hoffmann U, Ferencik M, et al. Prognostic value of noninvasive cardiovascular testing in patients with stable chest pain: insights from the PROMISE Trial (Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain). Circulation. 2017;135(24):2320-2332.
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.
Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Nicole Meregian, PA
Last Updated: 9/3/2021