Cardiac Perfusion Scan at Ohio State

Cardiac Perfusion Scan at Ohio State


About the Scan

A cardiac perfusion scan is a test that looks at the blood supply to your heart muscle. It helps show areas of the heart muscle that are not getting enough blood. The scan may be used to  check for coronary artery disease, test bypass grafts after surgery, or test how well drug or balloon (angioplasty) therapy is working. This may also be called a myocardial perfusion scan or nuclear stress test. 

The material used in the scan to see your heart muscle, called sestamibi, has a very small amount of radioactivity. This test will result in very low radiation exposure. During the test, exercise or medicine is used to raise your heart rate, depending on which is best for you. 

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or think you might be, tell the radiologist or technologist before the scan.
 

To prepare for the test

Starting 3 Days Before Your Test

  • Starting 72 hours before, do not take Theophylline. If you take Theophylline for reactive airway disease, tell the lab staff.
  • Starting 48 hours before, do not take these medicines: Cliostazol, Persantine, or Pentoxifylline.
  • Starting 24 hours before, do not eat or drink anything with caffeine. This includes any over-the-counter medicines that contain caffeine; chocolate; and drinks such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks (both caffeinated and decaffeinated).  
  • Starting 24 hours before, do not use alcohol, tobacco, or over the counter medicines.

Day of Your Test

  • Do not eat or drink anything for at least 3 hours before the test.
  • Do not exercise on the day of your test.
  • Take your prescribed medicines, especially heart medicines, with a small sip of water before the scan. If you take medicine for blood pressure or chest pain, check with your doctor to see if you should wait to take these medicines before this test.
  • Do not take any medicines that need to be taken with food or milk within 3 hours of your test.
  • Bring a list of your medicines with you. Be sure to include any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Do not use any lotions, oils, perfumes, or powder on your chest. 
  • You may bring a snack to eat after your test.
  • Bring your insurance card(s) with you.

If you are over 399 pounds, you will need to return a second day.

Please tell the lab staff if your health has recently changed. You may not be able to have this test if you are ill or having certain medical problems.
 

During the test

  • When you arrive, you will get an IV put into a vein in your arm. The radioactive material, called sestamibi, will be given through the IV. This material may also be called a “tracer.”  You will then sit in the waiting area for 45 to 60 minutes to let the material go to your heart muscle. You may be given water to drink during this time.
  • You will then lie on a table with your arms above your head while the camera rotates around your chest. You may also be asked to lie on your stomach with your arms above your head while the camera rotates around your chest. Pictures are taken for the next 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Small patches are placed on your chest. Wires are connected to the patches to record your heart rate, called an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).
  • During the test, your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. You also will be asked about how you feel. 
  • Tell the doctor or nurse if you are having any pain, pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other unusual feelings during the test. 
  • The risk of you having a problem during this test is very low. You will be monitored throughout the test by trained staff, who know when to stop the test if you show any signs of trouble.
  • There are two ways to raise your heart rate for this test: walking on a treadmill or with medicine. Your doctor will tell you which type of test you will have.

___ Walking on a Treadmill:

  • You will walk on a treadmill. The speed will slowly increase and the incline may slowly increase also. You will be asked to lightly hold onto the bar for safety while walking. 
  • When you feel like you cannot exercise anymore, the second dose of the radioactive material will be injected into your IV.  After the material circulates for 90 seconds, we will stop the treadmill.  

___ With Medicine:

  • A  medicine, called a stress agent, is used to increase the blood flow to your heart without you having to exercise. Some medicines used for this test include: lexiscan, adenosine, or dobutamine. 
  • The cardiologist or nurse will inject the medicine into your IV while you sit on the bed. Side effects from the medicine may include a mild headache, shortness of breath, racing heart, or nausea. Any side affects you may feel should go away after about 4 minutes. If these last longer, the nurse will may give you other medicine to lessen the effects. 
  • The technologist will inject the sestamibi into the same IV. 
     
  • When your heart rate returns to normal, you will be unhooked from the EKG machine. You will be asked to sit in the waiting area for 45 to 60 minutes. This is to allow your heart rate to go back to its resting rate. You may be given more water to drink or something to eat before pictures are taken. 
  • The last set of images will be taken while you lie on your back with your arms above your head. You may also be asked to lie on your stomach with your arms above your head while the camera rotates around your chest These images will take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
  • This test takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Please ask your doctor or technologist if you have any questions or concerns.
 

After your test

  • You can return to your usual activity after the test unless your doctor has given you other directions. You may feel a little tired after the test.
  • A doctor with special training in heart care, called a cardiologist, will view the images and your EKG readings. He or she will send the results to your doctor, who will share them with you.
     

© 2009 - July 12, 2021, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.