Myocardial Perfusion

Myocardial perfusion is the passage of blood through the blood vessels to the heart. Coronary artery disease results from a narrowing or blockage of the vessels that feed the heart muscles. As plaque or calcifications build up on the inside of the arteries, blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced.

Screening is an important way to detect coronary artery disease because the symptoms may not be noticeable or may be very mild. People who have high blood pressure, are not physically active, have high blood cholesterol, smoke or have a history of smoking, or are obese are at a greater risk for developing coronary artery disease. Finding coronary artery disease early is important, because it can lead to a heart attack.

Diagnosis Information from the PET/CT scan allows physicians to detect restricted blood flow. more

Treatment The results of the PET/CT scan will help the physician determine the best course of treatment. more

Follow-up Myocardial perfusion imaging can be used to assess whether the treatment was successful. more