Cardiac SPECT Scan

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KEY POINTS

• A cardiac SPECT scan is a procedure that uses a scanner and a chemical called a radioactive tracer to show heart tissue that may be abnormal.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider how and when you will get your test results.

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What is a cardiac SPECT scan?

A cardiac SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scan is a procedure that uses a scanner and a chemical called a radioactive tracer to show heart tissue that may be abnormal. Abnormal heart tissues absorb more or less of the radioactive chemical than healthy tissues.

When is it used?

SPECT scans are used to show problems with the heart muscle or the heart blood vessels.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Tell your provider if you have had kidney problems or an allergy to chemicals, such as contrast dye, which may be used for the scan.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are or might be pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your care and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

Small sticky patches or suction cups are put on your chest for an ECG (also called an EKG or electrocardiogram), which measures and records your heartbeat.

Your healthcare provider or a technologist will also watch your blood pressure during the scan.

The radioactive chemical is put into your vein through an IV. The amount of radiation is small and your kidneys clear it from your body in 1 to 3 days. The radioactive chemical goes to the part of the body being scanned such as your heart.

You will either rest on your back during the scan or your healthcare provider may have you exercise. If you cannot exercise, a medicine may be used to increase blood flow to your heart. This will make your heart neat faster. A camera that shows the radioactive chemical takes many pictures during the scan.

It may take 2 hours or more to complete the scan.

What happens after the procedure?

You may be asked to drink a lot of water for a few hours or days after the test to flush out the radioactive chemical, unless your healthcare provider has advised you to limit the amount of liquids you drink. Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you. After the test, you can go home and return to your normal activities.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks:

• You may have an abnormal heart rhythm during the test.
• You may have nausea, low blood pressure, or chest pain caused by the medicine used to make your heart beat faster.
• You may have a reaction to the radioactive chemical.
• The radioactive chemical may not be safe if you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding an infant.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.