If you are looking for How long does a PET scan of the heart take A cardiac PET scan usually lasts 1-2 hours with the scan itself lasting 30-60 minutes. The total time will be affected by the preparation for the scan, the injection of the radioactive tracer, or the need for further scans or the administration of medicine to stress the heart. The heart is a vital organ that has 4 chambers and each chamber has a specific function. There are various issues related to the heart which build with the time and can lead to heart attack.
PET CT Scan for Heart Problems
PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) represents an incredibly versatile radiological investigation to diagnose heart abnormalities. This method incorporates PET imaging with computed tomography (CT) imaging to obtain a better view of the heart as a diagnostic test. PET utilizes a radioactive tracer that identifies early cancers, or pre-cancerous conditions while on a cellular level.
Uses of a PET CT Scan for Heart Issues
The purpose of a PET CT scan includes assessing blood flow (perfusion). A PET CT scan is also helpful in detecting coronary artery disease, which looks for blocked or narrowed arteries. A PET CT scan for the heart can also assess the heart muscle viability, and look for any heart damage as well as look for heart attack issues. A PET CT scan in terms of the heart can quantify metabolic activity, which is glucose utilization and usage in heart muscle activity.
Process of PET CT Scan For The Heart
The process of PET CT scan heart is in fact similar to other PET CT scans and usually take about 70 to 90 minutes depending on procedure and type of heart PET CT scan.
Step 1: Preparation
The patient is asked to fast for 6 hours before going to PET CT scan. Fasting is a requirement and substances like sugar, caffeine, alcohol, smoking etc. are also asked to avoid before going for the scan.
Step 2: Injection of Tracer
In this procedure, a small amount of radioactive tracer used like FDG glucose for the detection of abnormality in the heart. After injection of tracer, tracer travels through blood and it gets collected in heart tissues.
Step 3: Waiting Period and Imaging
Once the radioactive tracer is administered, the patient will relax until the tracer makes its way to the heart and other areas of the body. The patient will be positioned on a table that is already attached to a PET CT scanner. Patients also slide onto the table that moves into the diagnostic imaging machine.
Step 4: Stress Imaging (if needed)
This step is optional. The doctor will decide to give a medication that has the same effect on the heart as exercise and then see if there is a difference in blood flow from rest to stress.
Step 5: Completion
At the end of the procedure, the patient is welcome to resume their normal routine unless sedatives were used. The patient will be asked to drink pleasure yeast (most likely water) to help push the radioactive tracer out of the body.
Advantages of PET CT for Cardiac Issues
- PET CT is beneficial for early diagnoses of cardiac abnormalities.
- PET CT can provide detailed information pertaining to heart defects and predispose an individual to problems before occurrence.
- PET CT has specific diagnostic capabilities aiding in appropriate treatment.
- PET CT limits unnecessary invasive modalities which can be excessive in cost.
- PET CT will guide interventions.
- PET CT may follow up with treatment sessions to monitor progress with treatments and procedures.
- PET CT is very effective at providing comprehensive information about cardiac anomalies.
- The procedure is quick and does not cause discomfort.
- PET CT is improved with time and helps to produce specific and effective outcomes.
Conclusion
A PET CT scan for the heart is considered to be among the most advanced and effective advanced diagnostic procedures for the purpose of identifying abnormalities of the heart. How long does a PET scan of the heart take There are several types of PET CT and a heart PET CT is specific to confirm abnormalities, looking for heart clots, blood flow reduction, weak heart muscles, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the function of a cardiac PET CT?
A cardiac PET CT is performed to evaluate a range of cardiac conditions including decreased blood supply, weak heart muscle, presence of a clot, etc.
Q. What is the price of a cardiac PET CT in Delhi?
The cost of PET CT scans in Delhi ranges from Rs. 18500 to Rs. 37000.
Q. Is a cardiac PET CT scan painful?
A cardiac PET CT scan is painless and minimally intrusive.
Q. Why would you need a PET CT scan?
A PET CT scan is beneficial in diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders by allowing visualization of the cellular activity of organs or tissues.
Q. Why is the PET exam given?
There are two completely different exams that are abbreviated as “PET exam”. The Preliminary English Test (PET) is a test of English language proficiency, while the PET can also refer to the Preliminary Eligibility Test, a screening test for appointments to government jobs in India.
