Myokardszintigraphie (Herzuntersuchung)
Myocardial scintigraphy is the most sensitive, non-invasive test for examining blood flow to the heart under stress and at rest.
It serves to exclude or verify cardiac perfusion disorder (coronary heart disease – CHD). Duration of the examination, approx. 4-5 hours.
Examination procedure
- After a detailed conversation with the physician, a venous access device is inserted; then the patient is put under pharmacological stress. Under constant blood-pressure and ECG monitoring, there is slow injection of a medication that has an effect on the heart similar to that of ergometric stress.
- Then a radioactive substance is administered, which accumulates in the heart muscle.
- Immediately after stress has been applied, images are taken under the gamma camera (stress images).
- After a break of approximately 3 hours, another series of images is taken (rest images).
Patient preparation
Fasting (in particular no coffee or black tea)
Please bring previous findings (from cardiologist or internist)!
After consultation with your general practitioner, stop taking the following medication temporarily:
12 hours BEFORE the examination – preparations containing theophylline
24 hours BEFORE the examination – beta-blockers, calcium, nitrates (or medication that has the same effect as nitrates)
48 hours BEFORE the examination – sustained-release theophylline preparations
If necessary, your regular physician will recommend a medication from a different drug-class for the examination day.