A Myocardial perfusion imaging (nuclear stress test) is a nuclear medicine test of the heart. It shows blood supply to the heart muscle at rest and under stress. Typical effective dose 9 to 12 mSv, similar to about 3 to 4 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year).
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
A Myocardial perfusion imaging (nuclear stress test) is a diagnostic tool that uses nuclear medicine to assess blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and during stress. The test typically involves an effective dose of 9 to 12 mSv, which is comparable to about 3 to 4 years of natural background radiation. It helps identify blood supply issues in the heart muscle, particularly in cases of chest pain or known heart disease. The test requires avoiding caffeine for 24 hours and may pause certain heart medications under doctor's advice. The radiation exposure is similar to that of natural background radiation over a period of 3 to 4 years. The test duration is approximately 3 to 4 hours. The results must be interpreted by a qualified health professional.
Blood supply to the heart muscle at rest and under stress.
Chest pain, known heart disease.
Avoid caffeine for 24 hours; some heart medicines may be paused on your doctor's advice.
Typical effective dose 9 to 12 mSv, similar to about 3 to 4 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.
3 to 4 hours. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Nuclear medicine
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does a mpi show?
Blood supply to the heart muscle at rest and under stress.
Why is a mpi done?
Chest pain, known heart disease.
How do I prepare for a mpi?
Avoid caffeine for 24 hours; some heart medicines may be paused on your doctor's advice.
Does a mpi use radiation?
Typical effective dose 9 to 12 mSv, similar to about 3 to 4 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.
How long does a mpi take?
3 to 4 hours
Why is Myocardial perfusion imaging (nuclear stress test) done?
Chest pain, known heart disease.
How do I prepare for Myocardial perfusion imaging (nuclear stress test)?
Avoid caffeine for 24 hours; some heart medicines may be paused on your doctor's advice.
Is Myocardial perfusion imaging (nuclear stress test) safe in pregnancy?
Typical effective dose 9 to 12 mSv, similar to about 3 to 4 years of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.
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