A medical procedure that evaluates heart function by visualizing blood flow to the heart muscle, both at rest and after induced stress, utilizes a radioactive tracer. This tracer, administered intravenously, allows specialized cameras to create images of the heart. These images reveal areas receiving adequate blood supply and those with reduced perfusion, indicative of potential blockages or other cardiac issues. The stress component often involves exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, or, when exercise is not feasible, pharmaceutical agents that mimic the effects of physical exertion on the heart.
The diagnostic value of this type of cardiac imaging lies in its ability to identify coronary artery disease, assess the severity of myocardial ischemia, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments like angioplasty or bypass surgery. Clinicians can use the information gleaned from the imaging to guide treatment decisions, potentially preventing future cardiac events. The procedure has evolved over time with advances in imaging technology and stress induction methods, increasing its accuracy and applicability to a wider range of patients.
