Cardiac PET Stress Testing
Cardiac PET Stress Testing
What is Cardiac PET Stress Testing?
A Cardiac PET Stress Test is an advanced imaging test that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle both at rest and during stress. PET, or Positron Emission Tomography, uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to create detailed images of the heart.
The test can help your doctor determine whether your heart muscle is receiving enough blood flow and whether there may be significant blockages in the coronary arteries. It can also provide information about the function of your heart and help your doctor determine the best treatment for your condition.
Cardiac PET imaging provides high-quality pictures and is particularly useful for patients who may have difficulty obtaining accurate results from other types of stress testing.
Because the test does not require you to exercise on a treadmill, stress is produced using a medication called a pharmacologic stress agent. This medication temporarily increases blood flow through the coronary arteries, allowing your doctor to compare blood flow to your heart muscle at rest and during stress.
A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected through an intravenous (IV) line. The PET/CT scanner then takes detailed images of your heart.
The differences between the resting and stress images can help your doctor determine whether there are areas of reduced blood flow to the heart.
Why do I need a Cardiac PET Stress Test?
Your doctor may order a Cardiac PET Stress Test for a variety of reasons, including:
- to determine whether there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle
- to evaluate for possible blockages in the coronary arteries
- if you have chest pain, pressure or worsening angina
- if you have shortness of breath or other symptoms that may be related to your heart
- if you have known coronary artery disease
- if you have had a previous heart attack
- to evaluate the effectiveness of medications used to treat coronary artery disease
- to determine whether a previous cardiac procedure or treatment has been successful
- to assess the heart before certain surgeries or procedures (cardiac clearance)
- when another type of stress test may not provide adequate or accurate information
What can I expect during the Cardiac PET Stress Test?
- A cardiac technologist or nurse will review your medical history and prepare you for the test.
- An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your hand or arm.
- You will receive an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer.
- You will then be positioned on the PET/CT scanner, where images of your heart will be obtained.
- A medication will be administered through your IV to temporarily increase blood flow through the coronary arteries and simulate the effects of exercise.
- You may briefly experience sensations such as flushing, warmth, shortness of breath, headache or chest pressure. These effects are generally temporary and will be monitored by the medical team.
- A second injection of radioactive tracer will be administered during the stress portion of the test.
- Additional images of your heart will then be obtained.
- Your heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms will be monitored throughout the stress portion of the examination.
- The entire test will take approximately 60 minutes.
What is the PET/CT scanner?
The PET/CT scanner combines two types of imaging into one examination.
The PET portion of the study evaluates blood flow and activity within the heart muscle. The CT portion provides detailed information that helps the scanner create accurate images of the heart and surrounding structures.
The images are reviewed by a qualified physician who will provide a report to your referring physician.
Important Information Before Your Test
Cardiac PET testing requires specific preparation. Please carefully follow the patient instructions provided to you by our office, or you may find them on the website, see patient instructions.