SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test

• Blood flow to the heart at rest and during stress
• Areas of the heart that may not be getting enough oxygen
• Damage from a previous heart attack

A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream.

• A special camera (often called a gamma camera) takes images of your heart.

Images are taken:

• At rest
• After stress (either exercise on a treadmill or medication that mimics exercise)

• Normal blood flow → healthy heart muscle
• Reduced flow during stress only → possible blockage in arteries
• Reduced flow at rest and stress → possible past heart damage

• Diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Evaluate chest pain or shortness of breath
• Check the effectiveness of treatments like stents or bypass surgery
• Assess risk of future heart problems

• Generally safe; radiation exposure is low and controlled

Some people may feel temporary side effects from the stress medication (like flushing or dizziness

• Non caffeinated clear liquids allowed the morning of your appointment
• No food 4 hours prior to the appointment time

No coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, herbal tea, soda or chocolate for 12 hours prior to the appointment time.

Do not take Excedrin, Anacin, caffeine tablets, or caffeine containing migraine medicine for 12 hours prior to your appointment time.