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What is cardiac spect?
10 November 2025
Cardiac SPECT, or myocardial SPECT, which stands for single-photon emission computed tomography, is a study whose primary objective is to evaluate the performance of the heart muscle.
Cardiac SPECT Study
The cardiac SPECT study, which is part of nuclear medicine, is performed both at rest and during physical activity to provide an accurate diagnosis regarding the coronary arteries or even to assess the success of a previous procedure, such as the placement of a stent.
Typically, a SPECT is performed when coronary artery problems are suspected, when a heart attack has occurred, or as a preoperative test for a delicate surgical intervention.
Cardiac SPECT Indications
Among the most common indications for a cardiac SPECT are the evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, especially in those with atypical chest pain, stable angina, or a family history of heart disease. It is also used to assess myocardial ischemia induced by exercise or pharmacological stress, which allows for the identification of areas of the heart with reduced perfusion.
Furthermore, a cardiac SPECT is also a useful tool in patients with a prior diagnosis of myocardial infarction because it can determine the viability of the heart tissue and guide decisions about procedures such as revascularization.
It is also indicated in patients with known coronary artery disease to monitor them and evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatment, as well as to assess left ventricular function.
A cardiac SPECT has the ability to provide both anatomical and functional information, making it a key study for cardiovascular care.
Risks of a Cardiac SPECT
Although a cardiac SPECT is a non-invasive and virtually safe study, there are some risks that may occur. One of these is exposure to ionizing radiation, as a radiopharmaceutical is used to obtain images of the heart. However, the amount of radiation is relatively low and is considered safe for most patients. Mild adverse reactions to the radiopharmaceutical may also occur.
Despite these risks, the benefits of a cardiac SPECT are greater as it allows for the early detection of heart perfusion problems, identification of ischemia, evaluation of ventricular function, and guidance of crucial therapeutic decisions.
A cardiac SPECT helps to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and improves the prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease, making it a diagnostic tool of great clinical value.
At the Cardiovascular Diagnostics area at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
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Ricardo Ostos
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