What is Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy (MPS)?

Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy (Heart Perfusion Studies) allows doctors to see how well blood is reaching the heart muscle through the coronary arteries.

Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy involves injecting a small amount of radioactive substance (known as a tracer) into a blood vessel through a small tube. A special camera, known as a gamma camera, is moved round the person for 10 to 20 minutes. The gamma camera picks up the radioactive trace and produces pictures that the doctor can use to see how well blood is reaching the heart.

This is done both when the person is resting and when their heart is beating faster. The person may be asked to increase their heart rate by exercising (for example, by walking or jogging on a treadmill).

MPS – What to expect

Points to remember for the day:

  • DO NOT CONSUME CAFFEINE (e.g. tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cola) for 12 hours before your appointment
  • Eat only a light breakfast (NO TEA OR COFFEE) if your scan is in the morning or a light lunch for evening scans
  • Let us know in advance if you weigh more than 90kg or if you have asthma
  • The duration of the entire test is 4-5 hours
  • Wear clothing suitable for gentle exercise (trousers are ideal for women)
  • Bring a list of your medication if appropriate. It is not normally necessary to alter your medication but please contact us before your appointment if you are taking Dipyridamole (Persantin/Asasantin)
  • Do not bring children under the age of 18 with you.

About your Myocardial Perfusion Scan

The scan assesses the blood flow to your heart muscle and how well your heart muscle is functioning.

In the stress test, you have an injection (into a vein in your arm or hand) of a natural substance called adenosine that dilates the arteries of the heart and you pedal gently on a bicycle. You also have an injection of a radioactive tracer that lodges temporarily in the heart muscle. Approximately 45 minutes later, we scan your heart. The scan takes just over 15 minutes and during this time, the gamma camera moves around your chest and you need to lie flat and still with both arms above your head.

Normally, there are 2 scans but very occasionally only the first scan is necessary. 
The second part of the test starts about an hour and a half later and involves a further injection of the radioactive tracer but no exercise. You are then allowed to eat and approximately an hour later a second scan (similar to the first) of your heart is taken.

Throughout the test, we will endeavour to respect and maintain your privacy and dignity. If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate in contacting us on the phone number above.

Appointment Time

We do everything possible to keep to your appointment time. We ask for your understanding if we are delayed due to technical problems. If you are unavoidably late then we shall perform your scan as soon as possible but there may be a delay in order not to inconvenience other patients. 

Radiation Dose and Risk

Radiation is used as sparingly as possible and the benefits of the scan far outweigh the risk to your health.

If you have any concerns, please ask to discuss this in more detail.

It is important that we know your weight 48 hours in advance if you are over 90kg (14 stone or 200 lbs) because we may need to order a higher dose of the tracer injection.  If you weigh more than 120kg (19 stone or 260lbs) we may not be able to perform both sets of images on a single day and you may need to return on a second day. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can make the appropriate bookings.

Female Patients

You should not have a myocardial perfusion scan if you are pregnant. Please tell us as soon as possible if you think this might be the case. If you require a female chaperone please inform us before your appointment.

Asthma

We may need to perform the test in a slightly different way if you have asthma or chronic bronchitis. Please also let us know in advance if you have either of these conditions. 

Are There any Side Effects?

The tracer injection has no immediate side effects, and it will not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving. It does not normally cause an allergic reaction even in people who are prone to allergies. Adenosine, which is the drug used to stress the heart, can cause short-lived side effects such as facial flushing and chest discomfort. We shall explain this in more detail at the time. 

After your Scan

You can eat and drink normally. You can go anywhere you wish, but you should avoid prolonged close contact with children for 24 hours. Normal social interaction is fine.

If you are due to fly within 3 days of your scan please inform us and we can give you a letter confirming your recent appointment at Quantum InHealth as there are radiation detectors in some airports now as part of new security measures.