Myocardial perfusion scan

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Myocardial perfusion scan explained

What is a myocardial perfusion scan?

Myocardial perfusion scans use a small amount of radioactive substance to create images which show blood flow to the heart muscle.

The test can also be known as a thallium scan, MIBI scan, technetium scan or nuclear medicine scan. 

The myocardial perfusion scan looks at how well your heart muscle is being supplied with blood. Your doctors may refer you for other tests if they think your coronary arteries are narrowing, as a stent or bypass operation may be recommended.

Benefits and risk

Are myocardial perfusion scans safe?

You will be exposed to some radiation during the test; however it is a small amount and is considered safe. There are usually no side effects or complications from a myocardial perfusion scan. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this.

Remember:

• If you are pregnant or think you might be, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor as you might not be able to have the scan.
• Some types of food and drink can interfere with the medicine used in the scan. Specifically, avoid caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, green tea, energy drinks) and chocolate or chocolate drinks for 24 hours before the scan

During the scan

What happens during a myocardial perfusion scan?

Myocardial perfusion scans are usually divided into two parts – ‘stress’ and ‘rest’. This helps doctors see the effects of stress (exercise) on your heart.

• For the ‘stress’ part of the test, you will be asked to exercise on a bike or treadmill. If you can’t do this, you may be given a medicine that raises your heart rate instead.
• You will then be injected with a small amount of radioactive substance so that your blood flow can be detected. After this, you will be asked to rest for about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are nervous about needles or having an injection, talk to your healthcare professional so they can give you support.
• A camera will be positioned close to your chest to take pictures of different parts of your heart, similar to an x-ray. At the same time, your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored closely.
• For the ‘rest’ part of the test, you will have a longer break of an hour or more. During this time, you will be asked to drink plenty to clear the radiation from your system.
• Finally, you will then have another scan which involves the same injection and camera scan.

[An ECG scan]

How long will a myocardial perfusion scan take?

Overall the appointment takes about 4 hours as there is some waiting around in-between the two parts of the test.

Sometimes the scans are taken over two days instead. In this case, they will take around one to two hours each time.

The actual scan usually only takes about 20 minutes.

Recovery

What happens after the myocardial perfusion scan?

After your scan you can go back to your normal activities, including eating, drinking and driving. 

The person performing the scan can give you any details of things you may need to avoid. Ask them how you will get your results.

Get support

• Speak to our cardiac nurses by phone, callback, email or online chat on Heart Helpline (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
• Contact us to talk to our customer care advisors, find your local BHF shop and for any comments, compliments and complaints you may have
• Sign up to our Heart Matters magazine for online information packed with health and lifestyle advice.

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