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Nuclear Heart Scan (Thallium Scan)
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Description | John Muir Health Capabilities | Related Links
Definition
What is a thallium stress test?
This is a type of nuclear scanning test or heart circulation imaging test. It shows how well blood flows to the heart muscle. It's usually done along with an exercise stress test on a treadmill. The thallium stress test is useful to determine:
- Cause(s) of chest pain
- Extent of a coronary artery blockage
- Location and size of damage from a heart attack
Description
What happens during the test?
Thallium nuclear scan begins with the individual walking on a treadmill until the maximum or target heart rate or the level of exercise is reached. At that point, a small amount of a radioactive substance called thallium is injected into the bloodstream. Using a special table positioned under a camera (gamma camera), multiple pictures of the heart are taken. The thallium mixes with the blood in the bloodstream, flows through the heart's arteries, and enters normal heart muscle cells. If a part of the heart muscle has an abnormal blood supply, little or no thallium will be seen in the muscle cells. The camera will record images that show the doctor how effectively the blood circulates through the heart muscle. The first pictures are taken immediately after the exercise phase. These images show blood flow to the heart during exercise. The heart was "stressed" during the exercise test thus the name "stress test." Next, the patient lies quietly for 2-3 hours and another series of pictures are taken. These images show blood flow to the heart muscle during rest. Diminished amounts of thallium in the heart cells indicate inadequate or absent circulation. The doctor will use this information to plan treatment.
John Muir Health Capabilities
John Muir Health operates full state-of-the-art Nuclear Imaging Suites. One suite is available at each medical center. Multiple scans are done each day under the supervision of the expert technicians. Results are immediately available for the doctor to view.
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