Cardiac PET (positron emission tomography) is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure that uses radioisotopes and a special camera to visualize the blood flow and metabolism of the heart muscle tissue. It is often used for the detection and assessment of coronary artery disease and for planning the treatment of heart diseases. In contrast, cardiac SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) uses a similar technology to measure blood flow to the heart using gamma rays and a rotating camera, which is particularly useful for identifying areas with reduced blood supply after a heart attack or in coronary artery disease.
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Cardiac PET uses positron emission tomography to produce high-resolution images of heart function and metabolism, allowing for accurate assessment of blood flow and viability of the heart muscle tissue. Cardiac SPECT, on the other hand, uses Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography to measure blood flow by using gamma rays and is particularly effective in identifying areas that are undersupplied after a heart attack or in coronary artery disease.
Cardiac PET is primarily used to evaluate the blood flow and metabolism of the heart muscle, which helps in the diagnosis and treatment planning of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac SPECT is typically used to identify areas of the heart that are not adequately supplied with blood, which may indicate possible coronary artery disease or the effects of a previous heart attack.
Before a cardiac PET or cardiac SPECT, it may be necessary to fast for a few hours and temporarily stop taking certain medications that affect heart function. In addition, patients should remove all metallic objects, and it is recommended not to engage in strenuous activities on the day of the examination.
Both procedures involve a small amount of radiation exposure from the radioactive tracers used, but this is considered safe for most patients. Possible side effects may include allergic reactions to the contrast agent, and it is important to report any pre-existing conditions or allergies before the examination.
After a cardiac PET or cardiac SPECT, patients can usually resume their normal activities as soon as the effect of the mild sedative, if used, has worn off. The results of the examination are evaluated by a specialist and then discussed with the patient and their attending physician to determine appropriate further treatment steps.
Wir bieten eine Vielzahl weiterer Untersuchungen an, um ein umfassendes Bild Ihrer kardiovaskulären Gesundheit zu erhalten. Diese Untersuchungen helfen uns, individuelle Behandlungspläne zu erstellen und Ihre Herzgesundheit optimal zu fördern.
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