ask: are there any risks with cardiac perfusion imaging tests?

Hi Cathiet

Thanks for your question and welcome!

Empowher describes this procedure as "a test that uses a very low dose of a radioactive agent to evaluate the heart’s blood flow and function. Since blood flow to the heart is best evaluated when you increase the work of the heart, this test is usually performed along with exercise. If you can’t exercise, your doctor may use a drug that increases the work of your heart to mimic exercise."

In terms of risk factors (and there are risk factors with every medical procedure, some minor, other more serious) we suggest that :

before the test is scheduled, let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions that may limit your ability to exercise. If you can’t exercise, your doctor may order a drug to mimic exercise. Let your doctor know if you have any of the following:

◦Asthma or chronic lung disease
◦Arthritis problems, especially with your hips or knees

This test may not be appropriate for people with the following conditions:

◦Inflammation of the heart muscle ( myocarditis )
◦Recent pulmonary (lung) infection
◦Coarctation of the aorta
◦Pregnancy
◦Severe narrowing ( stenosis ) of the aortic valve
◦Severe congestive heart failure

Check out our page for Myocardial Perfusion where we have a "what to expect" section as well as preparations and an in-depth look at what the procedure will entail. You can read all about it here :

http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/myocardial-perfusion-imaging

Are you asking this for yourself? Are you having this procedure done?