Our practice, backed by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) official endorsement, offers PET/CT imaging as the preferred imaging modality for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). PET/CT combines the power of PET imaging with a CT scan to create a precise, 3‑D picture of your heart and blood flow.
This combination allows your provider to:
- Identify blockages or low‑blood‑flow areas
- Assess heart muscle health
- Plan the safest and most effective treatment
Because PET and CT images are overlaid, PET/CT offers some of the most accurate heart imaging available—all in one outpatient visit.
A PET or PET/CT scan is a simple, outpatient test that helps your care team see how well your heart is working.
- You may be asked to avoid caffeine, strenuous activity, or certain medications for a short period before your appointment.
- A small amount of tracer (a safe, low‑dose substance) is given through an IV. This helps show how your heart uses blood and oxygen.
- You’ll relax in a comfortable chair while the tracer moves through your bloodstream.
- When ready, you’ll lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner.
- The scan is painless and usually takes 10–20 minutes of still, quiet resting.
- A technologist will guide you the entire time and monitor you throughout the test.
- You can return to normal activities right away.
- Your cardiologist will review the images and explain what they show about your heart’s health.