This medication reaches the heart muscle through the coronary arteries. Normally, there is uniform uptake of this radioactive substance. However, if there is a blockage in one or more of the coronaries, there will be decreased uptake. The number, size, and degree of this decreased uptake will correlate with the number, location, and severity of the coronary artery disease. Therefore, these nuclear techniques provide more accurate and detailed information than that provided by a regular treadmill test.

A Myocardial Perfusion Procedure

This test is frequently used to evaluate patients with chest pain or after an angioplasty to detect re-blockage of the dilated artery and after coronary bypass surgery to assess the integrity and function of the bypass graft done.

If the patient cannot exercise, a pharmacological stress test will be done. This involves the use of an IV medication (usually with low level of exercise) that increases the blood flow to the hear (coronary vasodilators, such as Persantine). Other IV medications such as Dobutamine that simulate the effects of exercise (by increasing the heart rate and making each heart beat more forceful) can be used. These types of stress tests are used in patients who cannot exercise such as those with severe lung disease, arthritis, prior leg amputation, stroke, etc.

Our center uses state-of-the-art equipment and computer software, which is under the strictest quality control.