Pharmacological Nuclear Stress Test (SPECT) in Kansas

A pharmacological 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 will inject 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, a medication is injected that will increase heart rate to simulate the effects of exercise. 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.