Exercise Nuclear Stress Test (SPECT) in Kansas

An exercise nuclear stress test single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan, also known as a myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) scan, is a diagnostic procedure used to check for certain heart conditions.

First, the doctor injects a small amount of radioactive material (called radiotracers) into a vein. The structures of the heart will absorb the tracer, allowing the doctor to take detailed pictures of the heart using a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan. Then, the patient will be asked to exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill to increase their heart rate. More radiotracers will be injected and more pictures will be taken with the SPECT scanner.

This allows the doctor to compare blood flow to the heart while at rest and while exerting yourself, showing areas with poor blood flow or damage in the heart.