Cardiac PET
A cardiac PET scan shows how well blood flows to your heart muscle at rest and under stress. It helps your doctor find coronary artery disease and decide on the best treatment.
- Time at the center: 1 to 2 hours
- Scan time: About 30 minutes
- Preparation: No caffeine for 24 hours
What is it?
A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein and your heart is imaged at rest. Then you receive a medicine that makes your heart respond as if you were exercising, and a second set of images is taken.
Comparing both sets of images shows which areas of the heart muscle are not getting enough blood. Cardiac PET is more accurate than a traditional nuclear stress test and uses a lower radiation dose.
Who is it for?
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Suspected or known coronary artery disease
- Evaluation before or after a heart procedure
- Patients who cannot exercise on a treadmill
Your visit
- Check-inWe review your medicines and place a small IV in your arm. Small patches monitor your heart.
- Rest imagesYou receive the tracer and lie still while the first images are taken.
- Stress imagesA medicine makes your heart work as if you were exercising. You may feel warmth or shortness of breath for a moment.
- DoneThe technologist removes the IV and you can go back to your normal activities.
How to prepare
- No caffeine for 24 hours: coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and decaf products included.
- Do not eat for 4 hours before your exam. Water is fine.
- No smoking the day of your exam and no strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Bring a list of your medicines. Ask your doctor about heart and asthma medicines before your test.
- Wear a two-piece outfit with short sleeves.
We confirm your instructions when we call you.
Common questions
Why can't I have caffeine?
Caffeine blocks the medicine used for the stress part of the test, which can make the results inaccurate. Avoid it for 24 hours.
Is cardiac PET better than a regular stress test?
Cardiac PET usually gives clearer images, is more accurate in many patients and uses a lower radiation dose. Your doctor will decide which test is right for you.
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