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Myocardial Infusion Scan in Dhakuria

Myocardial Infusion Scan Pharmacological Stress-Instructions

Myocardial Infusion Scan Pharmacological Stress-Instructions in Dhakuria

Pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion imaging has a vital role in examining patients with known or suspected ischaemic heart disease. This testing procedure is recommended for individuals who cannot tolerate an exercise stress test or who do not reach an adequate stress endpoint. The pharmacological agents used are vasodilators such as adenosine and dipyridamole, as well as positive inotropic agents like dobutamine. 

According to studies, the data produced by pharmacologic stress myocardial infusion scans is comparable to that of exercise stress studies. However, to obtain optimal performance from a pharmacological stress myocardial infusion scan, the unique challenges and requirements should be adequately addressed.

Pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion imaging has a vital role in examining patients with known or suspected ischaemic heart disease.

FAQ's

A pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion scan may be prescribed by your doctor for:

Chest discomfort, whether it's recent or develops over many days or longer
To identify coronary artery disease (CAD), which is characterised by the coronary arteries becoming narrower
Assessing heart muscle damage following a myocardial infarction
To evaluate blood flow to heart muscle following Stent Implantation, Angioplasty, or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Your healthcare physician could suggest a stress myocardial perfusion scan for other reasons as well
 

  • Before scheduling the exam, please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you could be.

  • Due to the possibility of the tracer getting into breast milk, you should let your healthcare professional know if you are nursing.

  • It might be necessary to fast before the surgery. You will receive instructions from your doctor on how long to refrain from eating or drinking.

  • If you have an appointment for a pharmacologic myocardial perfusion scan, you must avoid caffeine and theophylline-containing drugs.

  • Theophylline is sometimes included in asthma medications. Tell your physician if you suffer from asthma; they may advise you to stop medication containing theophylline 48 hours before the test.

  • If you have an allergy to or sensitivity to any drugs, contrast dyes, or iodine, let the radiologist or technician know. The radiotracer injection may cause a little distress. Although rare, allergic reactions to the radiotracer might happen.

  • Inform your doctor of any medications you use.

A stress myocardial perfusion scan can be performed as part of a hospital stay or as an outpatient procedure. Depending on your health and the experience of your healthcare practitioner, several procedures could be used.

  • The test involves injecting cardiolite, a radioactive material used for computer imaging, through an intravenous (IV) line. Cardiolite has no known adverse effects and is neither a medication nor a dye. 

  • The stress portion involves electrode placement on the chest, wrists, and ankles, connected to lead wires. The test is conducted without exercise, and an electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood pressure are obtained to ensure no significant abnormalities.

  • A pharmacological agent, usually Persantine or Lexiscan, is administered for four minutes to dilate blood vessels. Side effects may include headaches, nausea, or chest pain. Aminophylline may be given if symptoms develop. 

  • A second injection of cardiolite is given, and the patient is responsible for reporting any developing symptoms. If abnormal responses occur, the test can be stopped or aminophylline may be given.

  • A recovery period is followed by continued heart rate, EKG, and blood pressure monitoring.

  • Approximately an hour after the infusion, the patient is taken to the nuclear medicine department for a second series of heart pictures.

  • A cardiologist and nuclear medicine physician review the test and interpret it for follow-up visits or forward it to a referring physician.

To prevent feeling lightheaded or dizzy from lying flat for the duration of the treatment, take your time getting off the scanner table. During the 24 to 48 hours following the test, be sure to stay hydrated and often empty your bladder. This aids in your body's removal of any leftover radioactive tracer.

Your healthcare team will look for any indications of redness or swelling at the IV site. After you go back home, let your healthcare practitioner know if you have any discomfort, redness, or swelling at the IV site. This might indicate an infection or some other kind of response. Your healthcare professional could offer you further instructions based on your specific circumstances.

Nuclear stress tests that are pharmacological are generally safe. A headache or flushing may occur during the exam. Some people could have tachycardia or an elevated heart rate. Your doctor could prescribe medicine to control your heartbeat if this occurs.
For a brief while, the radiotracer leaves some radiation in your body. 

Individuals who have undergone pharmacological stress scans should be mindful of the following:

  • Do not spend the remainder of the day holding infants or young children.

  • Drink a lot of water to aid in the removal of radioactive material from your body.

During a pharmacological stress myocardial perfusion scan, certain drugs may cause the following adverse effects:

  • Pain in the chest

  • Lightheadedness

  • Discomfort

  • Hypotension, or low blood pressure

  • Nausea

  • Breathing difficulty (dyspnoea)

  • Heart attack or stroke (rare)

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