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Scintigraphies | Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphies

The coronary arteries bring to the cardiac muscle the amount of blood necessary to ensure its proper function, and if those arteries become partially obstructed by fat or calcium deposits, it becomes very important to receive appropriate treatment.

VM-Med nuclear medicine specialists can perform a myocardial perfusion exam to determine if your cardiac muscle is receiving the blood supply it needs, and whether an invasive procedure such as coronary angiography is necessary.

The myocardial perfusion examination is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment involving anti-angina medication, and to assess the damage caused by a myocardial infarction. In addition, it allows the assessment of the risk of cardiac failure in patients showing the following risk factors:

  • High blood pressure
  • Excess weight
  • Sedentariness
  • Diabetes
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Tobacco consumption
  • Unhealthy eating habits and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Unfavorable family history

Myocardial scintigraphy is performed in two steps

  • Step 1 – at rest
  • Step 2 – during treadmill testing or under pharmacological stimulation with Persantine®

During both steps, the patient is injected with a slightly radioactive product that will bind to the heart depending on the blood flow through the coronary arteries. After the exam is completed, a VM-Med nuclear medicine specialist makes a diagnosis by comparing the images obtained during both steps.

Preparation:

  • Some medications could be stopped with the accord of your physician
  • You must be in a fasting state since midnight the night before the examination (patients with diabetes may eat a light breakfast and take their insulin).
  • Avoid tea, coffee, sodas, smart drinks and chocolate for at least 24 hours before the examination. No caffeine.
  • Bring a list of your medication.
  • Unless otherwise advised by your physician, take your medication with a little water.

Approximate Duration:

  • 4 hours

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Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT and CT scans
Nuclear imaging and PET/CT Centre VM-Med
2345 Guy Street
Montreal, QC, H3H 2L9
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Tel: (514) 933-5885
Toll Free: 1-888-933-5885
Fax: (514) 933-4646
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