Adult Cardiology

Nuclear cardiology is a method of producing images of the heart using a small injection of a radioactive material. These tests are used to assess the function or the blood perfusion to the heart. Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute opened its first nuclear laboratory in 1992, and now has eight nuclear labs in North Carolina, and one in South Carolina.

The most likely candidates for nuclear cardiology are patients who have single or multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease. These risks include but are not limited to: chest pain, shortness of breath, hypertension, positive family history, abnormal ECGs, and high cholesterol.

All nuclear cardiology results are analyzed by a physician who has had special training in the interpretation of nuclear cardiology images. There are currently more than 30 Sanger physicians qualified to read nuclear studies, typically several in each Sanger location. There are 15 nuclear technologists on staff at Sanger, with more than 60 years of nuclear medicine experience among them.

Nuclear testing reveals:

• if there is adequate blood flow to the heart muscle during increased levels of activity.
• the likelihood of having coronary artery disease and the need for future tests.
• the effectiveness of medical therapy and your cardiac treatment plan.

• Do not eat or drink anything for five hours before the test.
• Do not drink or eat caffeine products (cola, mountain dew, chocolate products, coffee, or tea) for 24 hours before the test. Caffeine will interfere with the results of the test.
• Do not take over-the-counter medications that contain caffeine for 24 hours before the test. These include Excedrin, Anacin, diet pills and No Doz. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have questions about medications.
• Ask your doctor what prescription medications should be taken on the day of your test. Do not discontinue your medications without first talking to your doctor.
• If you use an inhaler for breathing, bring it with you on the day of the test.
• If you are diabetic, ask your physician how to adjust your medications the day of the test. If you own a glucose monitor, bring it with you to check your blood sugar levels before and after the test. If your blood sugar levels are abnormal, tell the lab personnel immediately.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Women should wear a bra.