With the advanced medical technology available to us today, there are many possible methods to take images of our bodies. Two of the most effective cardiac scans—cardiac PET imaging and SPECT scans—use very similar processes to analyze the internal functions of our bodies. It is easy to get them confused, so here are some of the differences between cardiac PET scans and cardiac SPECT scans.

PET Scans Can Provide More Detail

Although both PET and SPECT scans use radioactive substances in order to show how your organs are functioning, PET scans allow for even more detail. With cardiac PET imaging, doctors can analyze and quantify your heart’s blood flow, which is crucial when looking for signs of heart disease.

PET and SPECT Scans Use Different Radiotracers

PET and SPECT scans use radiopharmaceuticals to create 3D images, but the tracers used are differently. SPECT scans measure gamma rays, and the radiotracers used with PET scans produce small particles called positrons. The detectors in the PET scanner measure these photos to create images of internal organs.

PET Scan Images are Clearer

PET scan images are generally reported to offer a higher resolution of 5 to 7 mm, compared with a cardiac SPECT scan resolution of 12 to 15 mm. With a higher resolution, radiologists can detect changes to the heart’s blood flow at a granular level.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of PET scans, contact Cardiac Imaging, Inc. today at (800) 998-2035 and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.

The acronym “PET” is short for Positron Emission Tomography and this scan refers to the specialized technology that allows your doctor to determine how well your organs, specifically your heart, are functioning. A PET scan uses radioactive tracers to record information on the chemical activity within your body. Doctors use PET scans in cardiology to diagnose certain heart diseases. Read on to see more helpful information about PET scans and heart disease.

How Do PET Scans Work?

PET scans use radioactive tracers to monitor blood flow, oxygen use, sugar use and more. The tracers can be consumed in one of three ways: injected into the skin, swallowed in a drink or inhaled as a gas. Tracers take over an hour to absorb in the body and collect in the areas of more chemical activity. The scan takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes and the scanned picture will ultimately show bright areas where the tracers are collected.

Scanning for Heart Disease

Doctors can use PET scans to diagnose heart disease, as the tracers will collect more in healthy heart tissue and less in unhealthy areas. The varying degrees of colors and brightness indicate how your heart tissue is functioning. The PET scan for cardiology allows the doctor to see decreased areas of blood flow, usually indicating a heart disease red flag. Doctors use this scan to determine which steps or surgeries need to be done to repair clogged arteries. Additionally, a PET scan is used to assess the organs after a heart attack.

Thanks to PET scans, your doctor will be able to reveal which organs are not functioning how they should be and is used to diagnose serious heart diseases. If you’re interested in learning more about the uses of a PET scan in cardiology, contact Cardiac Imaging, Inc. today.

A cardiac PET scan is one of the most effective forms of medical imaging because it not only provides images of your heart, but it also shows the specifics of how your heart is functioning. Patients receive PET scans because this advanced technology can help test for certain diseases, see how well different treatments are working, and assist in preparing for an upcoming surgery. 

What Technology Is Used In A PET Scan?

A cardiac PET scan is able to effectively show how your heart is functioning by using a radioactive tracer. This tracer is essentially glucose with a small radioactive component attached and may be injected, swallowed, or inhaled, depending on the area of focus in the body. The tracer’s radioactive technology is not harmful to you, but you should let your doctor know if you are diabetic, breastfeeding, or may be pregnant.

The PET scanner itself is a large ring-shaped machine that takes images of your body and picks up the radioactive waves of the tracer. In these images, different colors and degrees of brightness will show where in your body the tracer goes, indicating areas that may need to be examined closely for disease.

Why Is It So Effective?

With this technology, doctors can use the images to check blood flow to your heart muscles, decide treatment for clogged arteries, and analyze the effects of a heart attack. Cardiac PET scans are so effective because the technology can show problems at the cellular level, which gives your doctor the best view of complex diseases, such as heart disease. 

Cardiac PET scans are an effective option because the results are typically ready for your doctor to analyze within two business days, giving plenty of time for a course of action. To learn more about PET scans, contact Cardiac Imaging, Inc.

It can be alarming when your doctor recommends a PET scan, especially when you’re not exactly sure what this process entails. Cardiac PET imaging is used to understand how a person’s heart is functioning, and a doctor will recommend a PET scan when you are exhibiting certain symptoms and more information is needed to treat you and your heart.

Why Do You Need A PET Scan?

A PET scan uses radioactive tracers to measure the chemical reactions in your body in order to diagnose diseases. A doctor will recommend a cardiac PET scan to check the blood flow to your heart muscles. The scan can indicate areas of decreased blood flow, which allows your doctor to accurately decide the next steps. In addition to diagnosing diseases, cardiac PET imaging is also recommended to check if a specific treatment is working. If you get a PET scan, you might need a second to monitor your treatment plan.

How To Prepare

Your doctor will give you specific instructions before the PET scan begins in order to help you prepare. During this time, be sure to notify your doctor if you have certain allergies, if you are taking other medications or if you are claustrophobic. The week leading up to your scan you shouldn’t include strenuous physical activity. You should also avoid consuming food and beverages high in carbs and sugar in the last 24 hours before your scan.

Doctors recommend cardiac PET imaging to diagnose and help treat heart diseases and if you want to learn more about PET scans contact Cardiac Imaging, Inc. today.

If you are about to receive a PET scan, you may feel nervous and want to be well-informed on how to prepare for the procedure. Our mobile cardiac PET scanning and imaging services allow physicians to treat their patients for cardiac disease with the most cutting-edge tools in nuclear medicine, without leaving the comfort of their practice. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your PET scan.

Prep and Diet

Ask your doctor for specific instructions to prepare for your exam, as well as the length of the exam. Do not eat or drink anything 4-6 hours before your test, but make sure you drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine 12 hours before your test.

Safety Measures

Before the exam takes place, make sure you let the doctors know about your allergies or reactions to specific medications. Additionally, bring a list of all your medications to the exam. If you are pregnant, make sure to mention that as well. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry at home. Dress in layers just in case you get too cold or too warm.

Exam Details

Try to relax and feel calm during the exam. Trained medical personnel will be with you through the duration of the procedure and they will let you know what to expect and walk you through each step of the exam. Once you are positioned for the PET scan, you will remain still and intermittently hold your breath. The exam itself only takes around 25 minutes and you can ask the technologists questions if any come to mind.

If you are nervous about your PET scan, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today with any questions you may have.