Positron emission tomography, or PET scan, is a test used at our Los Angeles office to provide images for Dr. Maddahi to evaluate how your heart is functioning. A small amount of radioactive material is used in this type of test, which works by scanning your heart. The radioactive material will concentrate in areas with higher levels of chemical activity and will show up as bright spots on the Positron emission tomography in Los Angeles — this is an indication of disease.
How Does It Work
A PET scan is a cutting-edge test that can assess heart health. The test uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream. The tracer emits positrons (a type of subatomic particle) as it moves through the body. A PET scanner can detect these positrons and create images of the body’s tissues. The images can show how well the heart functions and whether there is any damage to the heart muscle.
PET scans are noninvasive and relatively painless. They are often used to diagnose heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. PET scans can also be used to assess the effectiveness of treatments for heart conditions. If you have a heart condition, your doctor may recommend a PET scan to help diagnose or monitor your condition. The PET scan is a noninvasive test, so you don’t need an operation.
Why Is It Done
A PET scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that can assess many aspects of cardiac health. It is often used to evaluate patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery diseases, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Positron emission tomography in Los Angeles can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, such as bypass surgery or angioplasty. The images created by the PET scanner can provide important information about the function and health of the heart.
The following are some of the conditions that a PET scan may diagnose:
- Coronary Artery Disease: The PET scan can detect narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries. This is important because coronary artery disease is a leading cause of heart attacks.
- Heart Failure: The PET scan can detect damage to the heart muscle.
- Cardiomyopathy: The PET scan can detect changes in the structure of the heart muscle.
What to Expect
If you are scheduled for a PET scan, you will likely be asked to fast for several hours beforehand. You will also be asked to remove any jewelry or other metal objects you wear, as they can interfere with the scan. Once you are positioned on the PET scanning table, a nurse will inject the tracer into your arm, following which the table will slide into the PET scanner. That’s when the PET scan begins.
The tracer injected into your vein will travel through your blood to your heart. The positron emission tomography in Los Angeles scanner rotates around your body and takes images of your heart. A computer then analyzes the images to produce pictures of your heart. You will need to stay still during the scan, which will take about 30 minutes. After your PET scan, you can return to your normal activities. The radioactive tracer will leave your body through your urine.
Cutting-Edge Cardiac Care
Dr. Maddahi is an expert in evaluating positron emission tomography heart scans. A PET Scan will reveal coronary artery disease, cancer, or neurological problems within the heart and is available conveniently in our Los Angeles cardiology practice. Our state-of-the-art equipment provides you with the latest cutting-edge care. We are committed to helping you prevent strokes and heart attacks and manage cardiovascular risk factors. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Maddahi at our Los Angeles cardiology practice.