A cardiac PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to create pictures of the heart. It is used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease, assess the extent of damage after a heart attack, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
When is a cardiac PET scan performed? A cardiac PET scan is typically performed when other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test, have not been able to provide enough information about the heart.
How does a cardiac PET scan work? During a cardiac PET scan, a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream. The tracer is absorbed by the heart muscle and emits gamma rays, which are detected by a special camera. The camera creates a 3-dimensional image of the heart, which can be used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.
How do I prepare for a cardiac PET scan? Before the scan, you will need to fast for at least four hours and avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before the scan.
How long does a cardiac PET scan take? The scan itself typically takes about 30 minutes, but the entire process, including preparation and recovery, can take up to two hours.
What to expect during a cardiac PET scan? During the scan, you will lie on a table and a technician will inject the radioactive tracer into your arm. You may feel a slight burning sensation when the tracer is injected. The technician will then move the camera around your body to take pictures of your heart.
What to expect after a cardiac PET scan? After the scan, you may experience some fatigue and a metallic taste in your mouth. These side effects should go away within a few hours.
What are the risks of a cardiac PET scan? Are there side effects? The risks of a cardiac PET scan are minimal. The most common side effects are fatigue and a metallic taste in the mouth.
What type of results do you get and what do the results mean? The results of a cardiac PET scan will show the size and shape of the heart, as well as any areas of decreased blood flow. If there is decreased blood flow, it may indicate the presence of coronary artery disease.
When should I know the results of a cardiac PET scan? The results of a cardiac PET scan are usually available within a few days.
If the results are abnormal, what are the next steps? If the results of a cardiac PET scan are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment.
When should I call my doctor? If you experience any unusual symptoms after a cardiac PET scan, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor right away.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac PET scan. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-pet-scan/about/pac-20384790
2. American Heart Association. (2020). Cardiac PET scan. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-pet-scan
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Cardiac PET scan. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-pet-scan
Keywords: cardiac PET scan, imaging test, radioactive tracer, gamma rays, coronary artery disease, side effects, results, next steps