PET Stress Test
What Is a PET Stress Test?
A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Stress Test is an advanced, noninvasive imaging test used to evaluate blood flow to your heart muscle. It helps your cardiologist determine how well your heart is functioning and whether there are blockages or reduced blood flow in your coronary arteries.
PET stress testing provides more accurate and detailed images than standard nuclear stress tests, allowing for early detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other heart conditions.
Why You Might Need a PET Stress Test
Your doctor may recommend a PET stress test if you:
- Have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue with exertion
- Have known or suspected coronary artery disease
- Have an abnormal ECG or previous stress test
- Have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or family history of heart disease
- Are being evaluated before heart surgery or another cardiac procedure
This test helps guide treatment decisions and monitor your heart’s response to therapy.
How the Test Works
A PET stress test measures how well blood flows to your heart at rest and under stress:
- Resting images: A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream. The PET scanner detects the tracer to create detailed 3D images of your heart’s blood flow at rest.
- Stress phase: You’ll then receive a medication that mimics the effects of exercise by increasing blood flow to your heart.
- Stress images: A second tracer dose is administered, and another set of images is taken to compare blood flow during stress vs. rest.
The entire test typically takes about 30–60 minutes and is painless. Your cardiologist will interpret the results and discuss them with you in detail.
Benefits of PET Stress Testing
- Highly accurate in detecting coronary artery disease
- Lower radiation exposure compared to traditional nuclear stress tests
- Shorter test time with faster imaging results
- Better image quality, even for patients with larger body types or certain medical conditions
Preparing for Your PET Stress Test
To ensure accurate results:
- Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 4–6 hours before your test.
- Avoid caffeine for 24 hours prior to testing (including coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain medications).
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about which medications to take or hold before the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
What to Expect After the Test
You can typically resume your normal activities immediately after your PET stress test. Your cardiologist will review the images and provide your results, explaining whether any further testing or treatment is needed.
Schedule Your PET Stress Test
At Cardiac and Vascular Consultants, we use state-of-the-art PET imaging technology to deliver precise, reliable cardiac assessments. Our expert team ensures your comfort and safety throughout every step of the process.
