Imaging at MyCardiologist
Unlock the Gold Standard in Heart Health
Assessment with Cardiac PET Imaging
Discover the groundbreaking technology that’s setting a new standard in heart health assessment at MyCardiologist. Our commitment to offering the highest standard of care has led us to spearhead the utilization of the GE Discovery ST16 Whole Body PET/CT System, the gold standard in the treatment of heart conditions. This cutting-edge technology is now available at our West Kendall location and marks a significant advancement in cardiac assessment.
1 in 4
1 in 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease, emphasizing the widespread impact of cardiovascular health issues.
80%
Approximately 80% of heart disease and stroke cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes and early detection.
45%
Nearly 45% of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease, underscoring the importance of proactive heart health management.
365,000
Each year, approximately 365,000 Americans suffer from a coronary heart attack. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Discover the Power of
Cardiac PET Imaging
MyCardiologist is dedicated to providing our patients and collaborating with primary care physicians to deliver state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and our introduction of the GE Discovery ST16 Whole Body PET/CT System sets a new benchmark in heart health assessment & Cardiac Event Reduction.
What is a Cardiac PET Exam?
A cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) exam is a sophisticated medical procedure employed by our experienced cardiologists to evaluate your heart’s health. This cutting-edge technology allows us to precisely measure the blood flow to your heart, enabling us to detect early signs of heart disease.
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What to Expect During a Cardiac PET Exam
- Electrode Placement: Small electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity.
- Specialized Table: You’ll comfortably lie on a specialized scanning table designed for this purpose.
- Radiopharmaceutical Introduction: Through an IV line, a radiopharmaceutical will be introduced. This substance is the key to our advanced PET camera capturing highly detailed images of your heart.
- Dual Imaging: The PET camera performs imaging during both a resting phase and a stress phase. This dual approach provides invaluable data for assessing blood flow in your heart and detecting any prior damage to the heart muscle.
Most cardiac PET exams are efficiently completed in less than an hour, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily schedule. In cases where a bit more time is needed for a thorough assessment, rest assured, we focus on delivering the most accurate evaluation of your heart’s health.
The Stress Phase
The stress phase of the PET exam simulates the effect of physical exercise on your heart. It’s typically induced using medication administered intravenously. An electrocardiogram (EKG) continuously monitors your heart throughout this phase.
If you experience any discomfort or unusual sensations, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or flushing, please notify our healthcare professionals immediately.
Preparing for a
Successful PET Exam
- Attire: Dress comfortably and leave your jewelry at home.
- Medication List: Bring a comprehensive list of your current medications.
- Inhaler: If you use one, remember to bring it.
- Fasting: You should refrain from eating or drinking anything (except water) for 4-6 hours before your test.
- Avoid Stimulants: Steer clear of chocolate, caffeine, or decaffeinated products for at least 24 hours before the exam. Caffeine can affect the accuracy of the test.
- Consult Your Physician: Always consult your doctor before discontinuing any medications.
Ready to experience the future of heart health?
For over 60 years, MyCardiologist has been committed to South Florida’s cardiovascular health.