Heart test
Myocardial Perfusion Scan
A myocardial perfusion scan uses a small radioactive tracer to show how well blood reaches the heart muscle at rest and during stress, checking for reduced blood flow.
Quick answer
Myocardial Perfusion Scan: what it is and what the results mean
A myocardial perfusion scan is a nuclear medicine test that images blood flow to the heart muscle. A radioactive tracer is injected and a gamma camera takes pictures, usually comparing the heart at rest with the heart under stress.
- Why it is done: It is used to investigate chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease, to see whether narrowed arteries are reducing blood flow, to assess damage after a heart attack, and to guide decisions about further treatment.
- Understanding results: The scan shows areas where blood flow is reduced during stress (suggesting a narrowed artery) or permanently reduced (suggesting previous damage).
What it is
A myocardial perfusion scan is a nuclear medicine test that images blood flow to the heart muscle. A radioactive tracer is injected and a gamma camera takes pictures, usually comparing the heart at rest with the heart under stress.
Why it is done
It is used to investigate chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease, to see whether narrowed arteries are reducing blood flow, to assess damage after a heart attack, and to guide decisions about further treatment.
What to expect
The heart is stressed either with exercise or a medicine that mimics it. A tracer is injected at peak stress and again at rest, with imaging after each. The appointment can take several hours, spread across rest and stress parts.
Understanding the results
The scan shows areas where blood flow is reduced during stress (suggesting a narrowed artery) or permanently reduced (suggesting previous damage). Results guide whether angiography or other treatment is needed.
Good to know
Risks and limitations
It uses a small radiation dose. The stress medicine can cause temporary flushing, breathlessness or chest tightness. It shows blood flow rather than the arteries directly, so an angiogram may follow.
Education and reference only. This explains the test in general terms and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from the team arranging your test, and discuss your results with your clinician.
Answers
Myocardial Perfusion Scan: frequently asked questions
What does the “stress” part involve?
Your heart is made to work harder either by exercising on a treadmill or bike, or by a medicine injection that increases blood flow, so any areas that cannot keep up show reduced tracer uptake.
Is the radioactive tracer harmful?
The dose is small and clears from your body within a day or two, mainly in urine. Drinking fluids afterwards helps. Tell staff if you are or could be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Related tests
Other heart test investigations
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — diagnostic guidance
- British Cardiovascular Society / relevant professional body
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