Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI)Test Department of Cardiology What is a Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test? It is used to assess the function and blood flow (perfusion) of your heart either during stress (Pharmacological drugs or Exercise) or at rest.
What is the purpose of Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test? It assesses the adequacy of the blood flow to your heart and determines the likelihood of blockages in your heart arteries. It also gives an indication of how strongly the heart is beating. How is the Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Test done? This test comprises of 2 phases – Stress Scan (exercise or pharmacological) and Rest Scan.
A small amount of radiopharmaceutical is injected into you and absorbed by the heart. The heart is then imaged using a special gamma scan camera.
Stress Scan (Phase 1) *If you can exercise…
After 1-2 hour, a scan is performed where images of your heart are taken. You may also be asked to undergo additional “prone” (facing down) imaging to improve the accuracy of the test if necessary. (Note: You are allowed to eat and drink as per normal after the stress procedure and before the scan.)
Walk on a treadmill for about 9-12mins. The speed and incline will increase after every 3mins. Throughout the test, your ECG and blood pressure are being monitored. The doctor will then inject the radiopharmaceutical at peak exercise. If you experience any chest discomfort, you must inform the doctor/nurse.
You are required to lie down very still for 5-7mins under the gamma camera for good images to be captured.
*If you cannot exercise… A special medication is infused into you over a duration of 4 mins to stress your heart. You will either walk slowly on the treadmill or lie down on a couch. If you experience any chest discomfort, you must inform the doctor/nurse.
Rest Scan (Phase 2) A small dose of the radiopharmaceutical will be injected into you for the 2nd time if necessary. You will need to wait for another 1-2 hour again for it to perfuse the heart, after which, you will be required to undergo the scan again.
Preparations before the test
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Eat a light breakfast 2 hours before you come for the test. You are allowed to drink plain water.
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Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for exercise or slow walk on treadmill.
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Inform the nurse/doctor if you have conditions (joint or leg circulation problems) that make exercising or walking difficult.
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For men with hairy chest, please shave before you come to facilitate the placement of ECG electrodes onto your chest.
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Strictly do not take any coffee, tea, coke and chocolate for at least 12 hours before the test. (Your test might be cancelled if any of these are taken)
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Stop medications that slow down the heart rate (eg: atenolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, diltiazem) and dipyridamole for 48 hours or as instructed by the doctor.
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Omit oral theophylline containing medications for 12 hours.
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Do not allow pregnant women or young children (under 7 years old) or infants to accompany you for the test. Avoid close contact (less than 1 metre) and sharing of food/drinks with them for 6 hours after the scan.
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Avoid smoking for at least 6 hours.
Please call up to reschedule your appointment if you are not well enough (fever, diarrhoea, running nose) to undergo the test.
What happens on the day of procedure? •
On the day of visit, it may take up to 6 hours to complete the test.
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For some cases, each phase may be performed on separate days.
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For patients more than 95kg, the 2 day protocol will be applied in order not to exceed the maximum dose limit of radiopharmaceutical for the day.
Is the test safe? • This test is generally safe. Experienced medical staff are present during the test and any potential complications will be identified early. •
Although there is some radiation from the radiopharmaceutical given, it is generally safe and has no known side effects.
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Pregnant women should not undergo the test.
Phase 1
Registration
Assessment
‘Stress’ procedure
‘Stress’ scan
Phase 2
Radiopharmaceutical
‘Rest’ scan
Note to patient If you wish to change/cancel your appointment, please kindly call at least 1 week before your appointment date to be fair to others on the waiting list. Please report to: Venue: Tower A, level 3, A32 Cardiovascular Centre (CVC) Date : ________________ Time : ________________
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
CARDIO.PE.14.0818