About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Cardiac PET Scan?
Introduction
A Cardiac PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is an advanced imaging test used to evaluate heart function, detect coronary artery disease, assess blood flow, and check for conditions like cardiomyopathy or congenital heart defects. It provides highly detailed images and can detect heart disease at an early stage.
How Does It Work?
A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream. This tracer highlights blood flow and metabolic activity in heart tissues. The PET scanner then captures detailed 3D images, allowing doctors to analyze heart health.
Why is a Cardiac PET Scan Performed?
- Detecting Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Identifies blockages or reduced blood flow.
- Assessing Myocardial Viability – Determines if damaged heart tissue is alive and may recover with treatment.
- Diagnosing Heart Infections and Inflammation – Helps detect inflammatory processes such as myocarditis.
- Evaluating Heart Function – Measures blood flow to different parts of the heart.
- Early Detection of Heart Disease – Provides insights before symptoms appear.
Risks and Considerations
- Mild Radiation Exposure – Generally safe, but not recommended during pregnancy.
- Allergic Reactions to the Tracer – Rare but possible.
- Claustrophobia – Some patients may feel discomfort in a confined scanner.
- Kidney Function Concerns – The tracer is cleared through the kidneys, so patients with kidney disease may need alternative imaging.
Preparation for the Scan
- Fasting – Avoid eating for 4–6 hours before the test.
- Avoid Caffeine – No coffee, tea, or chocolate 24 hours before.
- Medication Adjustments – Some heart medications may need to be paused (consult your doctor).
- Comfortable Clothing – Wear loose-fitting clothes and remove metal accessories.
Advantages of a Cardiac PET Scan
- Higher Accuracy – More precise than other heart imaging methods like SPECT or CT scans.
- Early Disease Detection – Identifies issues before symptoms develop.
- Functional Assessment – Evaluates both blood flow and heart metabolism in detail.
Conclusion
A Cardiac PET Scan is a powerful tool for diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions. It offers a safe and effective method for early detection and assessment of heart diseases. If your healthcare provider recommends this test, it can provide crucial insights into your heart health and help guide treatment decisions.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiac Imaging
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.ahajournals.org/journal/circimaging
- https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/aha-funding-opportunities
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14522503/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15909197/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4589547/
- https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-12/Appropriate-use-of-non-invasive-testing-for-diagnosis-of-stable-coronary-artery
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/32/16/1986/440429
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Recommended-Reading/Cardiovascular-Imaging/Echocardiography/Myocardial-Perfusion
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.