What Is PET/CT Cardiology?
PET/CT Cardiology is a breakthrough medical examination offered by Cyrus Diagnostic Imaging, Inc. PET/CT scan can be used to help image both the blood supply to the heart as well as the metabolic activity of the heart. This is important to assess if you are at risk for, or have recently suffered, a heart attack.
Why have PET/CT Cardiology?
PET/CT scans can show areas of the heart muscle that are not getting adequate blood flow due to blockages in the arteries and areas of the heart that may have been scarred due to previous heart attacks. PET/CT scan will also show if a damaged part of the heart can recover its function by having bypass surgery or angioplasty performed.
Who should have PET/CT Cardiology?
This test is most appropriate for men ages 40 and older, women ages 45 and older, smokers and people who have risk factors for heart disease but no symptoms. Risks include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and a family history of heart attacks before age 65. The test is not right for people who have already been diagnosed with heart disease. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, or if you are simply curious about your heart health, ask your doctor about these tests. Remember, the sooner a heart problem is detected, the easier it is to treat.
What is the advantage of PET/CT Cardiology?
The main advantage of PET/CT Cardiology is that it is non-invasive, fast, painless and requires no hospitalization. It has increased value in cases of uncertain diagnosis with conventional myocardial perfusion imaging and with obese patients.
Are there any risks of a PET/CT Cardiology?
PET/CT scans are very safe. You have a radioactive injection and the scan uses radiation. But the amount of radiation is the same as when you have an X-ray. The benefit of the scan, in finding out about your heart health, outweighs any potential risk from the radiation. The radioactive drug does not have any side effects.
How does a PET/CT scan work?
PET/CT scans take pictures of the structures of your body. At the same time, a mildly radioactive drug shows up areas of blood flow to the heart muscle. The scanner combines both of these types of information. This allows your doctor to see any changes in the myocardial perfusion and know exactly where the changes are happening.
What is the PET/CT procedure?
After fasting 6 hours you will receive 2 injections of radioactive Rubidium to image your heart at rest and immediately following a pharmacological stress test. These 2 sets of pictures and stress test take approximately 45 minutes in the PET/CT scanner. You will be required to discontinue all products containing caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, and some medications) for 24 hours prior to your exam.
What happens after the examination?
After the examination, one of Cyrus Diagnostic Imaging’s expert clinicians will review your images in depth and generate a full written report for your doctor. Your PET/CT scan will produce a “picture” of how your body’s cells are functioning, whereas an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI produce a picture of bones, organs and tissues. Your PET/CT scan will help you and your physician make a more informed decision about your diagnosis and treatment path.