Question 1

How do I prepare for a Myocardial perfusion gammagraphy (SPECT)?

Accepted Answer

Imaging test that evaluates the flow of blood to the heart at rest and effort.

Question 2

What do I need to know before a Myocardial perfusion gammagraphy (SPECT)?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** A solid food fast for at least 4 to 6 hours before the appointment is required. Drinking plain water is permitted and recommended to maintain good hydration.
• **Medication:** certain medications (especially heart medications like beta-blockers or nitrates, and some for asthma) may need to be temporarily suspended 24 to 48 hours beforehand. However, always consult your doctor, who will provide the exact indication of which drugs to stop and which to maintain.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** Wear loose, comfortable clothes and appropriate athletic shoes for walking on a treadmill. Avoid wearing metal objects, jewelry, necklaces, or garments containing metal in the chest area (such as underwire bras).
• **Specific Requirements:** It is strictly necessary to stop consuming products containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks, decaffeinated products) and chocolate for 24 hours before the test, as they can interfere with the results.
• **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** You will feel a slight prick when the intravenous line is placed in your arm. During the physical exertion phase, it is normal to feel tired, have a fast heartbeat, or experience shortness of breath. If you cannot exercise and a medication is used to simulate exertion (pharmacological stress), you might experience hot flashes, a mild headache, nausea, or chest heaviness; these symptoms are temporary and disappear within a few minutes.

*Mandatory requirement: If there is any possibility of being pregnant, it is strictly mandatory to report it before the test.*

Question 3

What do I have to do before a Myocardial perfusion gammagraphy (SPECT)?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** A solid food fast for at least 4 to 6 hours before the appointment is required. Drinking plain water is permitted and recommended to maintain good hydration.
• **Medication:** certain medications (especially heart medications like beta-blockers or nitrates, and some for asthma) may need to be temporarily suspended 24 to 48 hours beforehand. However, always consult your doctor, who will provide the exact indication of which drugs to stop and which to maintain.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** Wear loose, comfortable clothes and appropriate athletic shoes for walking on a treadmill. Avoid wearing metal objects, jewelry, necklaces, or garments containing metal in the chest area (such as underwire bras).
• **Specific Requirements:** It is strictly necessary to stop consuming products containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks, decaffeinated products) and chocolate for 24 hours before the test, as they can interfere with the results.
• **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** You will feel a slight prick when the intravenous line is placed in your arm. During the physical exertion phase, it is normal to feel tired, have a fast heartbeat, or experience shortness of breath. If you cannot exercise and a medication is used to simulate exertion (pharmacological stress), you might experience hot flashes, a mild headache, nausea, or chest heaviness; these symptoms are temporary and disappear within a few minutes.

*Mandatory requirement: If there is any possibility of being pregnant, it is strictly mandatory to report it before the test.*

General instructions for Myocardial perfusion gammagraphy (SPECT)

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