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A myocardial perfusion scan is used by our consultants to see how well your heart is being supplied with blood.
The scan, also known as a nuclear stress test or MIBI scan, is a non-invasive imaging technique that is particularly good at showing blood flow issues to the heart. This can indicate symptoms of coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.
A myocardial perfusion imaging is normally used to scan for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.
It helps in diagnosing the cause of chest pain, determining the extent of damage from a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction), and assessing the effectiveness of potential treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream, usually through a vein in your arm. This tracer travels to the heart and sends out gamma rays, which are detected by a gamma camera to create images of the heart.
The imaging can be done either at rest, with patients lying down, or during exercise to compare blood flow under different conditions.
If more detailed 3D imagery is required, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is sometimes used.
People who experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal heart rhythms are often recommended myocardial perfusion imaging to determine if these are related to reduced blood flow to the heart.
Myocardial perfusion imaging is also used to help individuals with a history of heart disease, those who have undergone previous heart surgeries, and people who are at high risk of developing coronary artery disease due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
As well as being relatively non-invasive and safe, the scans provide invaluable information about the blood flow to the heart muscle, helping our consultants diagnose and manage heart conditions effectively.
It can detect areas of the heart that are at risk of damage, guide treatment decisions, and monitor the effectiveness of operations or medication.
By identifying issues early, myocardial perfusion imaging can also help prevent severe complications like heart attacks.
The cost of a myocardial perfusion scan depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
Before the scans, your consultant will talk you through the process. You’ll probably be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the test.
You should also avoid caffeine and tobacco as they can affect the results, and some of your medications may need to be adjusted.
The imaging process is usually in two parts: a resting scan and a stress scan.
During the resting scan, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream. You will then lie down on a table while a gamma camera takes pictures of your heart.
For the stress scan, you’ll be asked to exercise on a treadmill or exercise bike for a short period. If you are unable to exercise, you will receive medication to increase your heart rate. Another injection of the tracer is given during this phase, and more images are taken. The scanning process usually takes a couple of hours.
After the test, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body. You will usually be monitored for a short time afterwards to make sure there are no immediate side effects.
Most people can resume their normal activities within 24 hours. Your consultant will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.
This scanning technique is usually used to investigate a variety of heart conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction
- Ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle)
Myocardial perfusion imaging can also take a look at blood vessel function and identify areas of the heart that are not receiving enough blood, crucial information for diagnosing and treating heart conditions effectively.
Before your scan date, your consultant will give you specific instructions based on your current health needs. As mentioned before, you should avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the test, avoid caffeine and tobacco, and refer to your consultant for guidance around your current medications. Also, remember to wear comfortable clothing on the day.
Most people who need an assessment of their heart's blood flow can have a myocardial perfusion scan.
However, pregnant women or people with severe allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer may not be recommended for this kind of scan. Your consultant will recommend the best way ahead for you at your assessment appointment.
Recovery is usually quick and straightforward. After the procedure, you should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body. Usually you can go home and resume normal activities within 24 hours of the scan.
The results of your scan will be analysed by a cardiologist, who will compare the images taken at rest and during stress.
Normal results indicate that there is adequate blood flow to the heart muscle under both conditions. Abnormal results may show areas of reduced blood flow, which could mean the presence of coronary artery disease or damage from a previous heart attack.
Based on the findings, your consultant will recommend the next steps, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or further diagnostic tests or treatments.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2025. Next review due January 2027.
