One way in which a physician diagnoses coronary heart disease is through nuclear imaging. During nuclear imaging, a small dose of a radioactive isotope is injected into the bloodstream. The radioisotope, or tracer, is carried through the bloodstream and into the myocardium, or heart muscle. Special cameras detect the radiation released from the tracers and record information about the heart muscle and blood flow. This information is then used to produce images of the heart on a computer screen or film.

The different types of nuclear imaging include:

• Myocardioal perfusion scan, used to evaluate blood flow; and
• Radionuclide ventriculography, which measures ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output.

PRE-TEST GUIDELINES

Patients are advised to avoid the following prior to nuclear imaging:

• Eating and drinking;
• Smoking;
• Drinking alcohol;
• Drinking caffeinated beverages; and
• Taking nonprescription medications.

In some instances, patients may be asked to discontinue a prescription medication.

RISK FACTORS FOR POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Nuclear imaging is not advisable for pregnant or nursing women.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Nuclear imaging is done in a hospital or an outpatient healthcare facility. An electrocardiogram is usually taken before nuclear imaging begins. An IV, or intravenous catheter, is placed in the arm to administer the tracer. The patient lies on his or her back on a padded table under a camera. A small amount of tracer is injected into the catheter, and then the camera moves, capturing images at different angles or rotating slowly around the patient.

Nuclear imaging scans are usually completed in less than 1 hour.

POST-TEST GUIDELINES

Patients are instructed to drink fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Complications associated with nuclear imaging include a slight risk of developing angina or arrhythmias.