Cardiac blood pooling imaging; Heart scan – nuclear; Radionuclide ventriculography (RNV); Multiple gated acquisition scan (MUGA); Nuclear cardiology; Cardiomyopathy – nuclear ventriculography
Nuclear ventriculography is a test that uses radioactive materials called tracers to show the heart chambers. The procedure is noninvasive. The instruments DO NOT directly touch the heart.
How the Test is Performed
The test is done while you are resting.
The health care provider will inject a radioactive material called technetium into your vein. This substance attaches to red blood cells and passes through the heart.
The red blood cells inside the heart that carry the material form an image that a special camera can pick up. These scanners trace the substance as it moves through the heart area. The camera is timed with an electrocardiogram. A computer then processes the images to make it appear as if the heart is moving.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may be told not to eat or drink for several hours before the test.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel a brief sting or pinch when the IV is inserted into your vein. Most often, a vein in the arm is used. You may have trouble staying still during the test.
Why the Test is Performed
The test will show how well the blood is pumping through different parts of the heart.
Normal Results
Normal results show that the heart squeezing function is normal. The test can check the overall squeezing strength of the heart (ejection fraction). A normal value is above 50% to 55%.
The test also can check the motion of different parts of the heart. If one part of the heart is moving poorly while the others move well, it may mean that there has been damage to that part of the heart.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
- Blockages in the coronary arteries ( coronary artery disease )
- Heart valve disease
- Other cardiac disorders that weaken the heart (reduced pumping function)
- Past heart attack ( myocardial infarction )
The test may also be performed for:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
- Idiopathic cardiomyopathy
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy
- Testing whether the medicine has affected heart function
Risks
Nuclear imaging tests carry a very low risk. Exposure to the radioisotope delivers a small amount of radiation. This amount is safe for people who DO NOT have nuclear imaging tests often.
Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices.
