Myocardial perfusion scan (heart scintigraphy)

heart scintigraphy · heart SPECT scan · radioisotope heart test · nuclear stress test

A very small dose of a special substance is injected into a vein and collects in the heart muscle. A camera shows how well blood feeds the heart at rest and under stress.

When coronary heart disease is suspected, for chest pain, and to check after a stent or bypass surgery.

⏱ Duration: usually 3 to 5 hours including waiting, sometimes over two days; the report usually in 1 to 3 days

Be sure to tell your doctor

All your medicines, especially heart ones - your doctor will say which to skip and when
Asthma or chronic lung disease - this affects which stress test is chosen
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
If it is hard to lie on your back for long with your arms above your head
If you will not be able to walk on a treadmill or pedal an exercise bike

How to prepare

Caffeine. Usually no coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or chocolate for a day before. The clinic will tell you the exact time.
Food. Usually no food for 3 to 4 hours before the exam. Ask the clinic.
Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Your doctor may ask you to skip some heart medicines - only on their instruction.
Clothing. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes, with no metal.

What to bring

Your referral
Your ID
A list of your medicines
Earlier ECGs and heart reports
A snack for the break between scans

How it goes

A thin catheter is placed in your vein and ECG electrodes are stuck on
A small dose of the substance is given and you wait for it to collect
You lie under the camera with your arms above your head while it slowly moves around your chest
For the second part, a stress test is done: treadmill, exercise bike or a medicine that imitates exercise
At peak stress the substance is given again
After a break, another series of pictures is taken

What you'll feel

A prick when the catheter goes in
During stress - shortness of breath and a fast heartbeat, which is expected
The stress medicine can cause a hot flush, headache and heaviness in the chest - usually gone within minutes
Under the camera you must lie still, which can be tiring

Afterwards

Drink more water for the rest of the day - the substance will leave faster
You can usually go back to normal food and activities right away
In the evening limit long close contact with pregnant women and small children - ask your doctor
The report usually comes in 1 to 3 days and is discussed with your cardiologist

Contact a doctor straight away if

Severe pressing chest pain that does not go away - call your local emergency number
Sudden shortness of breath, fainting or a strong heartbeat after the exam

Common questions

Is this dangerous radiation?

The dose is small and is considered safe for this exam. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to say so in advance.

Why no coffee before the exam?

Caffeine stops the stress medicine from working. The result may then be inaccurate.