Previous Section Next Section. What to Expect. Before During After. Before the Procedure Your doctor will explain the procedure and offer you the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. Based upon the medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation. During the Procedure A resting myocardial perfusion scan may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your hospital stay. Generally, a resting myocardial perfusion scan follows this process: You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear. An intravenous IV line will be started in your hand or arm. You will be connected to an ECG machine with leads and a blood pressure cuff that will be placed on your arm.
You will lie flat on a table in the procedure room. The radionuclide will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand. After the medication has circulated through your body 10 to 60 minutes depending upon the radioactive tracer being used , the scanner will begin to take pictures of your heart.
In a special kind of imaging test, called SPECT single photon emission computed tomography , the scanner will rotate around you as it takes pictures. You will be lying flat on a table while the images of their heart are obtained. Your arms will be positioned on a pillow above your head. It will be necessary for you to lie very still while the images are being taken, as movement can adversely affect the quality of the images.
If you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, extreme shortness of breath, or severe fatigue at any point during the procedure, let the doctor or technologist know. After the scan is complete, the IV line will be discontinued, and you will be allowed to leave, unless your doctor instructs you differently.
After the Procedure You should move slowly when getting up from the scanner table to avoid any dizziness or lightheadedness from lying flat for the length of the procedure. Clinical Trials. MyHealth Login. Financial Assistance. Why might I need a stress myocardial perfusion scan?
Your doctor may order a stress myocardial perfusion scan for: Chest pain, either new onset or occurring over a period of days or longer. To diagnose coronary artery disease CAD , narrowing of the coronary arteries. After a heart attack to assess heart muscle damage. To assess blood flow to areas of the heart muscle after coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty, or stent placement. There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a stress myocardial perfusion scan.
What are the risks of a stress myocardial perfusion scan? The exercise part of the test may lead to rare instances of abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain, or heart attack due to the stress on the heart caused by exercise.
The needle used to put in the IV for the injection of the radioactive tracer may cause slight discomfort. Allergic reactions to the tracer are rare. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the procedure. At Spectrum Health we strive to keep the radiation exposure as low as possible. How do I prepare for a stress myocardial perfusion scan? Certain factors may interfere or affect the results of the test. They include, but are not limited to medications containing theophylline, caffeine, nitrate medications, or medications that slow the heart rate.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. No food or drink for four hours prior to the test. You may have water. If you are scheduled for a pharmacologic myocardial perfusion scan, you will need to avoid taking any medications containing theophylline or caffeine.
Coffee, even decaffeinated, is not allowed, as it contains some caffeine. Nothing with caffeine for 12 hours. Medications for asthma may contain theophylline. If you have asthma, inform your doctor. Treatment of a Heart Attack. Life After a Heart Attack. Heart Attack Tools and Resources. What is a myocardial perfusion imaging test? The test uses radioactive material called tracers.
Tracers mix with your blood and are taken up by your heart muscle as the blood flows through your heart arteries. MPI can also tell if there are areas of dead cells scars from a past heart attack.
Why do people have MPI tests? MPI tests can help your doctor: Find out if there are narrowings or blockages in your coronary heart arteries if you have chest discomfort If you have heart damage from a heart attack if your heart is not working normally Determine if you should undergo a coronary angiogram Decide whether you would benefit from coronary stent or bypass surgery to treat your chest discomfort or help an abnormal pumping function go back to normal If a heart procedure you had to improve blood flow stent, bypass is working How well your heart can handle physical activity What are the risks of an MPI test?
How do I prepare for my MPI test? Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs and vitamins. He or she may ask you not to take them before the test.
Your doctor may also ask you not to eat certain foods, such as caffeine-containing beverages i. The test may have to be postponed or cancelled if you did drink caffeine.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes to exercise in. What happens during my MPI test? The technician places small metal disks electrodes on your chest, arms and legs.
The disks have wires that hook up to a machine to record your electrocardiogram ECG. The ECG keeps track of your heartbeat during your test and is used to tell the camera when to take a picture. The technician will put an intravenous line IV in your arm.
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