Dr Tan jian jing
Experience a consistent standard of
cardiovascular care.
At The Cardio Clinic, Dr. Tan Jian Jing offers this advanced diagnostic service using small and safe amounts of nuclear material. This test provides crucial insights into the heart’s perfusion, especially for patients who are unable to perform traditional treadmill stress tests.
What perfusion imaging shows
Myocardial perfusion imaging assesses blood flow to the heart muscle itself, rather than the anatomy of the arteries. A small amount of radioactive tracer is given, and images are taken to show how well it reaches different regions of heart muscle.
Images are acquired in two states: at rest, and under stress. Comparing them is what makes the test informative. An area that receives less tracer under stress but normal flow at rest suggests a region supplied by a narrowed artery that cannot meet increased demand. An area reduced in both states suggests muscle that has been previously damaged.
How the stress component works
Stress is achieved either by exercise or, where exercise is not practical, by a medication that increases blood flow through the coronary arteries. The medication approach is used for people who cannot exercise adequately because of joint problems, mobility or other limitations.
You will usually be asked about caffeine intake before a medication-based study, as caffeine can interfere with the agents used. Specific instructions are given in advance.
Interpreting the result
The scan describes the functional consequence of coronary disease — whether a narrowing is actually limiting blood flow — which anatomical imaging alone cannot always establish. This is why it is sometimes chosen instead of, or alongside, a CT scan.
As with any test, results are read together with symptoms and other findings, and may lead to a change in medication or to further investigation. To discuss whether this scan is appropriate for you, please contact the clinic.
