Nuclear Cardiac Scanning

HeartCare Associates of Connecticut

Cardiovascular Specialists located in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven & Wallingford, CT

Nuclear cardiac scanning helps your heart specialist at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut assess heart function and damage. This test is very low risk and is often a crucial part of early heart problem detection. The cardiac specialists have accreditation in nuclear cardiology from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission and are here to help you with all your nuclear cardiac scanning needs. Book an appointment at one of their convenient locations in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford, Connecticut, online or by phone today.

Nuclear Cardiac Scanning Q & A

What is nuclear cardiac scanning?

Nuclear cardiac scanning is a test in which your HeartCare Associates of Connecticut cardiologist views images of your heart to evaluate your heart health, including the blood flow and general heart function. In this test, your care provider injects a tracer — a safe radioactive material — into your vein.

The tracer moves up to your heart, where it releases energy to form an image of your heart that a specialized gamma camera then captures images of.

Your cardiologist can evaluate the blood supply to the heart with these images. The nuclear cardiac scanning method HeartCare Associates of Connecticut most commonly performs is myocardial perfusion imaging.

How does myocardial perfusion imaging work?

In myocardial perfusion imaging, your provider administers two separate tracer injections. Then, the gamma camera captures images.

Next, you have a stress test. There are two ways to do a stress test: on a treadmill or at rest with medication. Sometimes, your cardiologist combines these two methods.

After your stress test, the gamma camera again captures images of your heart. Throughout the stress test, your HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provider monitors your blood pressure and electrocardiogram (EKG) to ensure your safety.

How do I prepare for a myocardial perfusion imaging?

Your HeartCare Associates of Connecticut cardiologist gives you specific prep instructions before the procedure. This typically includes:

Fasting

Don’t eat for two hours prior to your test. You can bring a snack with you, and your care provider lets you know when it’s okay to eat it.

Abstaining from caffeine

Abstain from all caffeine for a full 24 hours before your myocardial perfusion imaging. This includes coffee, soda, chocolate, and some over-the-counter medications.

Stopping medication use

Stop taking Aminophylline, theophylline, Aggrenox, and dipyridamole 48 hours prior to myocardial perfusion imaging. For a treadmill stress test, you typically need to stop beta-blockers 24 hours before the test, as well.

Suitable clothing

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and sensible shoes that you can walk in.

Remembering your asthma inhaler

If you suffer from asthma, bring your inhaled asthma medication with you, and be sure to inform your care provider of your condition.

Your HeartCare Associates of Connecticut cardiologist may tailor these recommendations further for your specific needs.

Trust the accredited nuclear cardiology specialists at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut for nuclear cardiac scanning with expertise and care. Book online or by calling the office nearest you today.