Nuclear Cardiology Imaging
In patients with coronary artery disease (see CAD) or symptoms associated with possible CAD, nuclear scans are useful by showing areas of the heart that are not eating enough blood.
A nuclear cardiology-imaging test is done in patients who have inconclusive exercise tolerance test or who cannot exercise.
In the end this test, a safe radioactive substance is injected through a peripheral vein at the peak of exercise or during adenosine infusion. A special device scans areas of the heart before and after the injection. Color images of different areas of the heart are displayed and interpreted to document good or efficient circulation in the coronary arteries. Based on these results, further testing and/or therapy is recommended.
A nuclear cardiology-imaging test is done in patients who have inconclusive exercise tolerance test or who cannot exercise.
In the end this test, a safe radioactive substance is injected through a peripheral vein at the peak of exercise or during adenosine infusion. A special device scans areas of the heart before and after the injection. Color images of different areas of the heart are displayed and interpreted to document good or efficient circulation in the coronary arteries. Based on these results, further testing and/or therapy is recommended.