Nuclear cardiology uses noninvasive techniques to capture detailed images of the heart that assess blood flow and function and identify signs of damage. Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, in Anaheim, California, specializes in nuclear cardiology. Dr. Arora uses modern technology to accurately diagnose heart disease and to provide the most effective treatments. Call the office today to learn more about nuclear cardiology.
request an appointmentWhat should I know about nuclear cardiology?
Nuclear cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology medicine that uses noninvasive imaging studies to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
For these studies, Dr. Arora injects small amounts of a radioactive substance, called a tracer, into your bloodstream. He then uses specialized cameras that show how blood moves through the heart and the heart muscle’s metabolic activity, allowing him to see areas of damage.
I have coronary artery disease. Do I need nuclear cardiology testing?
Dr. Arora specializes in nuclear cardiology and determines if you need advanced testing after an evaluation. Nuclear cardiology testing is usually recommended for patients with known heart disease like coronary artery disease (CAD).
Dr. Arora might also recommend nuclear cardiology testing following a heart attack to assess the extent of heart damage. The test also checks for inflammation in the heart muscle and blood vessels and infections in the heart valves.
What are examples of nuclear cardiology testing?
Nuclear cardiology uses many techniques for evaluating the heart. The more common nuclear cardiology tests include:
Myocardial perfusion imaging
Myocardial perfusion imaging is the most common nuclear cardiology test. Dr. Arora combines this test with a treadmill stress test to evaluate blood flow through the heart at rest and during exercise.
Radionuclide ventriculography
Radionuclide ventriculography is a noninvasive test that evaluates the heart’s pumping function. Dr. Arora might recommend this test for patients with CAD or who’ve suffered a recent heart attack.
Positron emission tomography (PET)
PET is a nuclear scan that finds areas of the heart that aren’t getting enough blood because of blockages in the arteries caused by CAD. It can also find heart muscle scarring following a heart attack.
What can I expect during nuclear cardiology testing?
Dr. Arora takes a patient-centered approach to care, explaining in detail what you can expect during nuclear cardiology testing.
He inserts an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to administer the radioactive tracer. He then uses an imaging tool to capture pictures of your heart. He might then have you exercise on the treadmill, inject more tracer, and take another picture.
Nuclear cardiology testing can take up to three hours.
Dr. Arora recommends drinking plenty of fluids after the test to help flush out the tracer.
Call Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, today to schedule your cardiology consultation.