Heart health has to be taken seriously when symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath occur. It can start affecting your daily life. At Aster CMI Hospital, we perform various advanced non-invasive tests through nuclear cardiology. It helps detect heart problems early and accurately.
What is nuclear cardiology?
Nuclear cardiology involves the use of radioactive substances and advanced medical imaging modalities. It helps capture a detailed picture of the heart. These images help doctors check if enough blood is reaching your heart. It also helps analyse the heart's functioning and heart tissue damage. These tests are painless and safe. It does not require any surgery.
How does nuclear cardiology help?
Nuclear cardiology helps diagnose conditions, including coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease. It helps understand the severity and plan the best treatment. Nuclear cardiology helps check your heart function if you have already had a heart attack.
What types of Nuclear Cardiology Tests do we offer at Aster CMI Hospital?
At Aster CMI Hospital, we offer:
- Myocardial Perfusion test: To detect the blockages or narrowed arteries that limit the blood flow. It also shows how well the blood flows to your heart muscle during rest and under stress. It helps detect CAD/IHD.
- Radionuclide Ventriculogram: To assess the global and regional ventricular function. It provides the percentage of blood your heart pumps each time it beats. This test helps check the heart function before and after cancer treatment.
- Cardiac Viability Imaging: To see the details of the heart. It can also help doctors find out whether you need bypass surgery or angioplasty.
When is a Nuclear Cardiology Test necessary?
You may need a nuclear cardiology test if:
- You have chest pain during physical activity or stress
- You experience shortness of breath or fatigue without a clear reason
- You have a history or family history of heart disease
- Your doctors suspect coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease
- You’ve had a heart attack or need to assess the heart function
- You are about to start or are currently undergoing any treatments affecting the heart
- You have had abnormal results from other heart tests
- Your doctor wants to check if a part of your heart muscle can be saved before planning treatment
What to expect during the procedure?
At Aster CMI Hospital, we perform all procedures with great care and attention. You will be given a small injection of radiotracer. It is completely safe and leaves your body quickly. Depending on the test, you may need to walk on the treadmill or lie still before a camera or both. This process usually takes a couple of hours. But you can return to your normal routine the same day.
How safe are these tests?
The biggest concern people have is about radiation. But the truth is, the amount used in these tests is small and well within safety limits. The benefits of early and accurate diagnosis far outweigh the minimal risk. We follow strict safety guidelines to make the procedure as safe as possible.
Here’s why Aster CMI Hospital is the right place for nuclear cardiology tests
We believe that advanced care should feel personal and comforting. Our experts are highly trained in Nuclear cardiology. Our latest techniques help our experts see even the smallest changes in your heart function. We understand that medical tests can be stressful. Our experts understand your conditions and explain the options clearly. We offer a full range of services from testing and diagnosis to recovery.
Get clarity on your heart health
At Aster CMI Hospital, we understand how worrying heart symptoms can be. Our nuclear cardiology services are designed to give you clear answers and peace of mind. We help you take the next best step in your heart health journey.
Need a close look at what’s happening in your heart, don’t wait. Book a consultation with our experts. We are here to help you with expert and advanced care.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
Is nuclear cardiology safe?
Despite the term “nuclear,” this imaging type is considered very safe. The amount of radiation is so tiny that it hardly causes any damage to the heart.
Is a nuclear stress test painful?
Nuclear stress tests are usually not painful. However, some people may experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting after the test.
How long does the radioactive dye take to leave the body?
Although the excretion of the radioactive material depends on the scan type, the most commonly used isotopes leave the body within one day. Others might take as long as three days to leave the body.
What should one avoid after undergoing a nuclear stress test?
Although nuclear cardiology scans are not risky procedures, one should avoid close contact with children and babies for at least one or two days. Frequent handwashing is encouraged to prevent the spread of radioactive particles.
How long does a nuclear cardiology scan take?
It takes 2–4 hours to perform a nuclear cardiology scan. Some of the time is spent preparing for the test and waiting for the tracer to be taken up by the heart.
Is a nuclear cardiology scan necessary
A nuclear cardiology scan is advised for those treated for heart disease or experiencing symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness. It can provide information that may be unavailable or require an invasive and expensive procedure.
Does the nuclear stress test show blockages
Nuclear stress tests can determine the size of the chambers. It can also tell us how well the heart is pumping blood and whether the heart has any damaged muscle. These tests also give information about the arteries and whether they are blocked.
How are the results of nuclear stress tests interpreted?
The doctor usually analyzes the test results before providing a diagnosis. A normal blood flow at rest and exercise means the heart functions normally. Any abnormality in the test results usually signifies a blockage.
