Nuclear Cardiology involves using radioactive tracers to evaluate heart function and blood flow.
During a nuclear cardiology procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream and is taken up by heart muscle cells.
Specialized cameras detect the radioactive emissions from the tracer, creating images of the heart at work.
Nuclear cardiology is used to diagnose heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, assess myocardial perfusion, and evaluate cardiac function.
While nuclear cardiology involves exposure to radiation, the benefits of diagnosis and treatment guidance usually outweigh the risks when medically necessary.