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PET CT Scan for Heart Problems: A Complete Guide

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PET CT Scan for Heart Problems: A Complete Guide

PET CT Scan for Heart Problems: A Complete Guide

Heart is the main organ of the body used to pump blood in every part of the body. Heart is a vital organ having 4 chambers and each chamber has a specific function.

Heart is the main organ of the body used to pump blood in every part of the body. Heart is a vital organ having 4 chambers and each chamber has a specific function. There are various issues related to heart which build over the time and can lead to heart attack. It is important to keep a track for heart abnormalities and diagnose the condition over the time again and again. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the role of PET CT scan in heart abnormalities. Heart PET CT gives complete insights of the heart condition, its role and helps to construct treatment for the condition. Heart health is important for the functioning of body and any abnormality in heart affect the body functioning overall. Heart attack or clots that build in the veins can lead blockage can be visualized for early management of the disease.

PET CT Scan for Heart Problems

PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is very powerful radiological tool used for the detection of heart abnormalities. This diagnostic procedure combines PET with CT to create detailed images of heart for diagnostic purpose. The use of radioactive tracer helps to detect early cancer, which are at cellular level. PET CT helps to provide functional and anatomical images of the heart at same time and helpful in detecting the issues very effectively. This technique is helpful in detecting heart muscle damage, heart attack, angioplasty, bypass surgery etc.

Purpose of PET CT Scan for Heart Problems

PET CT scan is used to look for various purposes related to heart conditions and these include:

  1. PET CT scan is helpful in Assessing blood flow (perfusion)
  2. PET CT is helpful in Detecting coronary artery disease which can detect blocked or narrowed arteries.
  3. This is helpful to evaluate the heart muscle and its viability. Detects the damage of heart and heart attack related issues.
  4. PET CT in heart can measure metabolic activity showing glucose use in heart muscle activity.
  5. PET CT for heart is helpful in planning an effective treatment for the condition of heart.
  6. This diagnostic procedure is very useful in monitoring the recovery of the heart after treatment.

Conditions Diagnosed by PET CT for the Heart

PET CT is highly effective in diagnosing and managing several cardiac conditions, including:

  • Used to diagnose (CAD)Coronary artery disease 
  • It is used to detect reduced blood flow (Myocardial ischemia)
  • Used to detect weakened heart muscle (Cardiomyopathy)
  • Helpful in detecting heart attack (Myocardial infarction)
  • Used to detect Heart failure
  • Cardiac sarcoidosis (inflammation of heart tissue)
  • Microvascular disease (small vessel heart disease)

Procedure of PET CT Scan for the Heart

The procedure for PET CT scan heart is similar to other PET CT scans and is completed within 70-90 minutes depending on the procedure and type of heart PET CT.

Step 1: Preparation
Patient is advised to fast for at least 6 hours before going for PET CT scan. Fasting is compulsory and also substance intake like sugar, caffeine, alcohol, smoking etc. is asked to avoid before going for the scan.

Step 2: Injection of Tracer
In this procedure, small amount of radioactive tracer like FDG glucose is used for the detection of abnormality in the heart. After injection, tracer travels through blood and gets collected in heart tissues.

Step 3: Resting and Imaging
After radioactive tracer is injecting in the body, patient is asked to wait till it reaches to heart and other part of the body. Table is attached with PET CT scanner and patient is asked to lie which slides into the machine for diagnostic purpose.

Step 4: Stress Imaging (Optional)
this procedure is optional in which medication is used to mimic the exercise. This helps doctor to compare blood flow at rest and under the condition of stress.

Step 5: Completion
After the completion of process, patient can resume the activity if any sedatives are not used. Patient is suggested to take large amount of water to flush out radioactive tracer from the body.

Benefits of PET CT for Heart Problems

  1. It is helpful in early detection of heart abnormalities.
  2. PET CT gives detailed insights of heart problems and alerts the person before any mishap.
  3. PET CT has a precise diagnostic ability which helps in targeted treatment.
  4. Avoids unnecessary invasive procedures which can be costly.
  5. Guides the doctors for treatment plan.
  6. Helps to monitor progress of the treatment and its procedure.
  7. It is very helpful in giving comprehensive imaging of the abnormalities.
  8. The study is quick and painless.
  9. The procedure is improved and helps to give specific and effective outcomes.

List of PET CT scans available at Ganesh Diagnostic Center

Cost of PET CT Scan for Heart Problems in Delhi NCR

The cost of heart PET CT in Delhi may vary from region to region or location of the diagnostic center. The average cost of PET heart in Delhi varies from Rs. 18,500 to Rs. 37,000. Other factors that influent the cost of heart PET CT is technology used and 

Conclusion

PET CT scan for heart is one of the most advanced and effective diagnostic procedure used to look for heart abnormalities. There are various types of PET CT and heart PET CT is specific for the detection of abnormalities like heart clots, reduced blood flow, weak heart muscles etc. The cost of heart PET CT may vary but can be in the range of Rs. 18,500 to Rs. 37,000. The procedure for heart PET CT is similar to that of other PET CT scan procedures. Heart PET CT gives complete insights of the heart condition, its role and helps to construct treatment for the condition. Heart health is important for the functioning of body and any abnormality in heart affect the body functioning overall. Heart attack or clots that build in the veins can lead blockage can be visualized for early management of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the use of Cardiac PET CT scan?

Cardiac PET CT is used to look for various abnormalities related to heart issues like low blood supply, weak heart muscles, clots etc.

What is the cost of Heart PET CT scan in Delhi?

The cost of PET CT scans in Delhi range from Rs. 18,500 and go up to 37,000.

Is Cardiac PET CT scan painful?

Cardiac PET CT is painless and non-invasive procedure.