Cardiac PET CT

Cardiac PET CT services offered in Cypress, Katy, Houston, Sealy and Fulshear, TX

If you’re at risk of a heart or blood vessel disorder, like heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD), rely on the experts at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates. Our practice offers this service conveniently at our Katy location. The board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners offer cardiac PET-CT scans to detect possible problems and develop a treatment that reduces the risk of complications. Schedule an appointment at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates today by phone or online.

Cardiac PET CT Q & A

What is a cardiac PET-CT scan?

Cardiac PET-CT scans at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates use advanced imaging technology to create images of your heart muscle and blood flow at rest and during exercise. The procedure offers exceptional precision and accuracy. It uses tiny amounts of radiation to detect CAD and other potential heart and blood vessel problems.

Is a cardiac PET-CT scan right for me?

After reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, your Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates provider lets you know if you’re a candidate for a PET-CT scan. They check your pulse and blood pressure, complete a physical exam, and could order bloodwork.

The procedure helps patients with breast implants, high body mass indexes (BMIs), or large amounts of chest wall tissue. It’s not for pregnant or nursing mothers or people with certain medical conditions.

How should I prepare for a cardiac PET-CT scan?

Follow your provider’s instructions before undergoing a cardiac PET-CT scan. Plan to arrive at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates about 30 minutes before the procedure, which could last about an hour.

Don’t eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. However, drinking water is encouraged prior to the exam. Avoid smoking, caffeine, and some medications or dietary supplements as this will interfere with your test results.

What should I expect during cardiac PET-CT scans?

During a cardiac PET-CT scan, your provider evaluates your blood pressure and heart rate. They might also do an electrocardiogram (EKG). Your specialist places an IV in a vein in your arm and injects a radiotracer into it. While you lie flat on a PET-CT scanner, your provider takes images of your heart while you remain still for 10-20 minutes.

They also inject a medicine into the IV to identify potentially poor blood flow to your heart. They inject an additional radiotracer and take more images of your heart and blood flow.

What happens after the procedure?

After a cardiac PET-CT scan, your provider removes the IV. You can resume normal activities as directed by your specialist. Drink plenty of water to flush out the radiotracer.

After reviewing your cardiac PET-CT scan results, the Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates team lets you know if you need further diagnostic tests or treatment to reduce the chance of severe heart or blood vessel disease.

Call the Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about cardiac PET-CT scans and if you need one.