Cardiac PET Scan

A cardiac positron emission tomography (cardiac PET) scan is a noninvasive imaging test that doctors can use to diagnose coronary heart disease and other inflammatory myocardial diseases, as well as to identify areas of the heart with low blood flow. Doctors can also use a cardiac PET scan to measure your coronary calcium score.

Using the latest digital PET technology, our doctors can make detailed diagnoses and plan treatments for the most complex and life-threatening heart and vascular disorders.

PET imaging is similar to other nuclear cardiology tests, but has unique advantages, including:

• More detailed images of your heart function
• The ability to quantify blood flow to the heart muscle
• Low radiation dose and exposure

How a Cardiac PET Scan Is Performed

The procedure for a cardiac PET/CT scan is similar to that of other nuclear cardiology tests.

After a technician injects a radioactive isotopeinto your bloodstream, the PET/CT camera detects the areas of the radioactive tracer in the heart. The PET/CT camera produces images based on the coronary blood flow to your heart. 

From these images, your doctor can create a 3D view of your heart and understand how well your heart muscle is functioning.