The goal of the Stress and Resting Myocardial Perfusion Scan is to evaluate blood supply to the heart muscle upon exertion and at rest. The objective is to evaluate the impact of arterial blockages on the heart and to estimate the heart's pumping capability.
The Stress and Resting Myocardial Perfusion Scan is conducted over 2 days: plan for 3 hours on the day of the stress scan and 2 hours on the day of the rest scan.
- Be in a fasting state at least 4 hours before the exam (on both days). Water may be consumed at all times. Diabetics may eat a light meal.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the treadmill stress scan.
- Unless otherwise said by your doctor, take your medication as per usual.
- Have an updated list of your medications on hand when you make the appointment and when you come in for the exam.
- Inform the care team if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.
- Bring some money for MHI cafeteria services or bring a light snack (ideally with a milk product, e.g., cheese, yogurt or milk) to eat on both days after the injection of the radioactive tracer (a substance that optimizes the scan images).
The Stress and Resting Myocardial Perfusion Scan is composed of two parts: the stress myocardial perfusion scan and the resting myocardial perfusion scan.
Stress myocardial perfusion scan (with exercise)
First, the technologist inserts a catheter in an arm vein to inject the radioactive tracer. Patients must then walk on a treadmill for as long as possible. Once the maximum level of exercise is reached, the technologist injects the radioactive tracer, and images are produced about 1 hour later. For best results, patients should eat a light snack that ideally includes a milk product during this 1-hour waiting period. This set of images takes approximately 20 minutes. Patients lie down on a stretcher with their arms above their heads while a camera moves around them.
Resting myocardial perfusion scan
For comparison purposes, a resting scan is conducted either the night before or the day after the stress scan. On the day of the resting myocardial perfusion scan, the technologist injects the same radioactive tracer that was used for the stress scan. Images are taken approximately 1 hour after the injection. For best results, patients should eat a light snack that ideally includes a milk product during this 1-hour waiting period. This set of images takes approximately 20 minutes. Patients lie down on a stretcher with their arms above their heads while a camera moves around them.
- You can resume your normal activities after the scan. The exam result is sent to your treating physician.
- If you are planning a trip outside of the country in the weeks following the exam and will have to go through AIR OR GROUND customs, it is important to advise the technologist. The presence of a radioactive tracer in your body may be detected at customs. You will therefore be given a document to confirm that you underwent a nuclear medicine exam.