What Is It?
It is a nuclear medicine test performed to assess the presence and extent of ischaemia.
How Is It Done?
It is a test where the heart is made to work harder either by exercising or by injecting medications. A radioactive isotope is then injected through a cannula in the arm, which attaches to heart muscle depending on blood flow in the heart. A special camera acquires an image of the heart. This image is compared to another image taken when the heart is rested.
Why Is It Done?
Myocardial perfusion scanning is performed to assess whether there is any significant heart artery blockage, the amount of heart muscle at risk due to artery disease or whether damaged heart muscle is scarred or can be helped by restoring blood supply.