Nuclear cardiology imaging

At Aurora Health Care, we’re here to help get your heart back to a healthy beat. Your doctor might recommend nuclear cardiology imaging to detect any heart issues or to assess your heart health after a procedure.

With our dedicated nuclear cardiology imaging services, you can find a convenient location near you in eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois.

What is nuclear imaging?

Nuclear imaging is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses small amounts of radioactive material to create images of your body’s internal organs and structures. It’s called cardiac imaging or nuclear heart scanning when used to diagnose heart disease.

Despite the term “nuclear,” this type of imaging is considered very safe. The small amount of radiation used does not harm your body or organs. However, nuclear imaging is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Nuclear cardiology imaging tests provide information that helps your doctor:

• Determine whether your heart-related symptoms are due to coronary artery disease
• Identify if you’re at risk for a heart attack and determine if angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery would be good options for you
• Assess your condition after you’ve had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or a cardiac catheterization procedure
• Monitor blood flow to the heart and help detect atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease
• Evaluate how well your heart is pumping, which could indicate cardiomyopathy, heart injury or an infection
• Monitor the effects of chemotherapy or medications on your heart
• Determine the size and location of a heart attack

Types of nuclear imaging

We offer many types of cardiac imaging, including:

• Equilibrium Radionuclide Angiogram (ERNA): Doctors use this test to see how well the lower chambers of your heart are pumping.
• Nuclear exercise stress test: This type of stress test helps doctors see if your heart gets enough blood while you exercise. Technicians first create images of your blood flow to your heart while you rest, then again as you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.
• Pharmacological nuclear stress test: This test is similar to a nuclear exercise stress test only your doctor gives you medication to elevate your heart rate if you’re not able to exercise.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Similar to a pharmacological nuclear stress, this test uses a different imaging device and different radioactive material. It can also highlight:
  • Scarring from past heart attacks
  • Areas of your heart that could recover if you have coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or cardiac catheterization

These types of tests are:

• Nonsurgical: Except for the IV we use to inject the radioactive material into your body, cardiac nuclear imaging is noninvasive. You won’t need surgery or a catheter.
• Like an inside-out X-ray: Traditional X-rays send radiation through your body whereas nuclear imaging records radiation emitted from tracers inside your body. This type of imaging gives your doctor a better view of your organs and bodily functions.
• An advanced diagnostic tool: Nuclear cardiology imaging helps your doctors see images of your heart’s physical structure, how your heart is functioning and how well blood flows to your heart muscle.

What to expect

During a nuclear imaging test, a technician will inject a safe, radioactive substance called a tracer into your bloodstream through a vein. The tracer travels to your heart, where it releases energy known as gamma rays like X-rays. Special gamma cameras outside your body detect the gamma rays and use them to create pictures of your heart and related functions.

During your tests, your doctor will monitor your heart’s electrical activity with an electrocardiogram (EKG) as well as your heart rate and blood pressure.

We’ll send your test results to your doctor, who will discuss these findings with you.

Placing your trust in our team

People from around eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois choose our hospitals and clinics for our track record of safety and excellence. When you choose Aurora for your heart and vascular imaging tests, you can feel confident with our:

• National ranking: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our heart program among the best in the country. We’re dedicated to improving and transforming heart care.
• Top team: Our imaging program is part of Aurora’s larger Heart & Vascular Institute – a widely recognized cardiovascular program.
• Excellence in care: The prestigious Intersocietal Accreditation Commission accredited our nuclear imaging programs, meaning nationally recognized experts affirm that we provide top-quality care.
• Latest treatments: We’re innovators who helped develop cutting-edge equipment used at the world’s top heart and vascular hospitals, including our own.