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Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

What is a cardiac PET scan?

A PET scan of the heart is an imaging test that uses nuclear medicine. Small amounts of radioactive tracers are used to produce pictures of your heart. Health care professionals use PET scans to:

  • Diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and identify damage due to a heart attack

  • Show healthy and damaged heart muscle

  • Help determine whether you may benefit from:

    • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) such as angioplasty and stenting

    • Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)

Why do I need it?

A cardiac PET scan can help detect or diagnose a range of conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Low blood flow to the heart

  • Improved blood flow after a procedure

  • Non-ischemic and ischemic cardiomyopathy

  • Benign and malignant cardiac tumors

  • The effects of chemotherapy on known malignant tumors

  • Cardiac sarcoidosis

How does a PET scan work?

1. A radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream.

2. The tracer is tagged with a small amount of radioactive material.

3. Images are created by tracking how your body responds to the tracer.

Your health care professional can evaluate heart muscle function by observing how well your heart:

  • Takes up the tracer

  • Uses different tracers

What are the risks of cardiac PET?

Cardiac PET is safe for most people. The amount of radiation is small, and your body will clear the tracer primarily through your:

  • Kidneys

  • Stool

Tips to help flush the tracer out:

  • Drink plenty of water after your scan.

Important safety note:

  • If you are pregnant or think you might be, or if you are nursing, tell your health care professional before the test. This could harm your baby.

How do I prepare for the scan?

Preparation instructions may vary based on your situation, but here are general guidelines.

Medications

  • Tell your health care team about all medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and vitamins.

  • You may be asked not to take some medicines before the test.

Diabetes and insulin

  • If you have diabetes and take insulin, ask how much you should take before the scan and what you should eat.

  • Your blood sugar will be monitored during the test.

  • Test results are not always accurate in people with diabetes.

Food and drinks

You may be asked to avoid certain foods or drinks, such as caffeine or alcohol, for 24 hours before the test.

  • Do not eat before the scan.

  • Drink water only for four to six hours before the test.

What to wear

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

  • Do not wear jewelry or other metal objects.

Tell your health care team if you:

  • Are pregnant

  • Are allergic to injected dyes

  • Are afraid of tight spaces

  • Have anxiety about being enclosed

What happens after my PET scan?

After your test, you can usually return to normal activities depending on your care team’s instructions.

  • Ask your health care professional if you can go back to your normal routine right away.

  • Drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours to help flush the radioactive material from your body.

  • Schedule an appointment with your health care professional to discuss results and next steps.

Ready to talk with our team?

Contact Tennessee Heart to schedule your PET scan and discuss whether it’s the right test for your heart health needs.