To assess the viability of and blood flow to the heart muscle. To diagnose coronary artery disease, and to study metabolism of the heart muscle. At the time of this writing, the tests are often considered experimental in some settings. However, they are likely to be more widely used in the next several years. How it works The test uses special radioactive substances called positron-emitting isotopes that provide more information about the heart muscle than other imaging techniques.
Preparation Remove all clothing above the waist.
Lie on the examination table with arms above the head. After the test You can resume normal activities. Extreme obesity may limit imaging. Interpretation A computer is used to assess the results, which are interpreted by a physician trained in nuclear cardiology. The test is noninvasive and provides sensitive and specific information regarding blood flow to the heart muscle and the viability of the muscle itself.