Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Resting . This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardial perfusion scan evaluates the heart's function and blood flow. A radionuclide is a radioactive substance used as a . On the scan, the areas where the radionuclide has been absorbed will show up differently than the areas that do not absorb it (due to possible damage to the tissue from decreased or blocked blood flow).
A resting myocardial perfusion scan is used to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) and to determine what areas of the myocardium have decreased blood flow. This is done by injecting a radionuclide (thallium or technetium) into a vein in the arm or hand. There are different types of radionuclides. When one type of radionuclide is used, areas of the myocardium that have blocked or partially blocked arteries will be seen on the scan as .
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Another type of radionuclide binds to the calcium that is released when a heart attack occurs, so it will accumulate in area(s) of injured heart tissue as a . This process causes the inside of the arteries to become rough and narrowed, limiting the supply of oxygen- rich blood to the heart muscle. To better understand how coronary artery disease affects the heart, a review of basic heart anatomy and function follows. The heart is basically a pump. The heart is made up of specialized muscle tissue called the myocardium. The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, so that the body's tissues can receive oxygen and nutrients and have waste substances taken away. Like any pump, the heart requires fuel in order to work.
The myocardium requires oxygen and nutrients, just like any other tissue in the body. However, the blood that passes through the heart's chambers is only passing through on its trip to the rest of the body. This blood does not give oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium. The myocardium receives its oxygen and nutrients from the coronary arteries, which lie on the outside of the heart.
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When the heart tissue does not receive an adequate blood supply, it cannot function as well as it should. If the myocardium's blood supply is decreased for a length of time, a condition called ischemia may develop. Ischemia can decrease the heart's pumping ability, because the heart muscle is weakened due to a lack of food and oxygen.
Fortunately, the technology is available to restore blood flow to heart tissue when coronary artery blockages are diagnosed. One of several procedures used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease is the resting myocardial perfusion scan. What are the reasons for a resting myocardial perfusion scan? Possible indications for a resting myocardial perfusion scan may include, but are not limited to, the following: Chest pain, either new onset or occurring over a period of days or longer. Following a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI)To assess blood flow to areas of the myocardium that have been reperfused (coronary artery blood flow restored) by bypass surgery, angioplasty (the opening of a coronary artery using a balloon or other method), or stent (a tiny expandable metal coil placed inside the artery to keep the artery open. What are the risks of a resting myocardial perfusion scan? The injection of the radionuclide may cause some slight discomfort.
Allergic reactions to the radionuclide are rare. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider due to the risk of injury to the fetus from myocardial perfusion scan.
If you are lactating, breastfeeding, you should notify your health care provider due to the risk of contaminating breast milk with radionuclide. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dye, iodine, tape, or latex should notify their doctor. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure. Certain factors or conditions may interfere with or affect the results of the test.
These include, but are not limited to, the following: Caffeine within 2. Nitrate medications. How do I prepare for a resting myocardial perfusion scan? PLEASE NOTE: Certain factors or conditions may interfere with or affect the results of the test. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Caffeine within 2. Nitrate medications. Notify your doctor and when you schedule your exam if you have a pacemaker.
PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. We will discuss other options with you and your doctor. BREASTFEEDING: If you are breastfeeding, you should notify your health care provider due to the risk of contaminating breast milk with the tracer. CLOTHING: You may be asked to change into a patient gown. A gown will be provided for you. Lockers are provided to secure your personal belongings. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
EAT/DRINK: Fasting may be required before the procedure. You will be given specific instructions as to how long you should withhold food and/or liquids when you schedule your appointment.
You should refrain from eating or drinking anything that contains caffeine for at least 2. Some prescription and over- the- counter medications contain caffeine and should be avoided. Some over- the- counter medications that contain caffeien include Anacin, Excedrin and No. Doz. ALLERGIES: Notify the radiologist or technologist if you are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes or iodine.
The injection of the radiotracer may cause some slight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the radiotracer are rare, but may occur. MEDICATIONS: Please bring a list of all medications (prescription and over- the- counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
What happens during a resting myocardial perfusion scan? A resting myocardial perfusion scan may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. Generally, a resting myocardial perfusion scan follows this process: You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure. You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear. An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm.
You will be connected to an ECG machine with leads and a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. You will lie flat on a table in the procedure room. The radionuclide will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand. Installing Jade Empire In Style Models. After the medication has circulated through your body (1. In a special kind of imaging test, called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), the scanner will rotate around you as it takes pictures.
You will be lying flat on a table while the images of your heart are obtained. Your arms will be positioned on a pillow above your head. It will be necessary for you to lie very still while the images are being taken, as movement can adversely affect the quality of the images. If you experience any symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, extreme shortness of breath, or severe fatigue, at any point during the procedure, let the doctor or technologist know. After the scan is complete, the IV line will be discontinued, and you will be allowed to leave, unless your doctor instructs you differently. What happens after a resting myocardial perfusion scan?
You should move slowly when getting up from the scanner table to avoid any dizziness or lightheadedness from lying flat for the length of the procedure. You will be instructed to drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder frequently for 2.