Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of diagnostic imaging test that is performed to diagnose cardiac conditions. Your doctor may recommend a PET scan if you have shortness of breath, pains in your chest, and other symptoms that are indicative of heart problems. Here are three cardiac conditions that are diagnosed with PET imaging.
Heart Attacks
Heart attacks cause damage to the heart muscle. Cardiac PET imaging helps your doctor see any signs of damage that may have been caused by a heart attack. Many people have heart attacks with few or no symptoms, so the PET imaging is an important diagnostic tool.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease describes a blockage or narrowing of the arteries in your heart. These changes to the arteries prevent blood from flowing into and out of the heart muscle. This can cause heart damage and damage to other organs in your body if blood supply is reduced. Coronary heart disease increases your risk for heart attacks.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a generalized term that describes the heart not functioning as designed. Some types of heart failure are arrhythmia, abnormal or failing heart valves, and cardiomyopathy. The results of your cardiac PET imaging test guide the course of treatment that is recommended by your physician.
Learn More About Cardiac PET Imaging
Cardiac Imaging Inc. offers mobile PET imaging to detect heart disease. To learn more about their services, call them today or visit their website.
