What is an MPI SPECT Scan?

An MPI SPECT scan shows how well blood flows to your heart. It checks for blockages or damage in the heart muscles. This scan helps your doctor know if your heart is healthy. It can also check if you’ve had a silent heart attack.

Why You Might Need It

You might need this scan if you have chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, known heart disease, to assess risk before surgery, or as a follow-up after a heart attack or stenting.

Before the Scan: How to Prepare

Don’t eat or drink for 4–6 hours before the scan (you can drink water). Avoid caffeine for 24 hours — no tea, coffee, chocolates, or energy drinks. Don’t smoke for at least 4 hours. Check your medicines with your doctor — some may need to be paused. Wear comfy clothes and sports shoes, as there may be light exercise. Let the team know if you use an inhaler or have asthma or diabetes. Women: Tell us if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Men: Shave your chest if advised for electrode placement.

What to Bring

Bring your doctor’s referral, a list of medicines, any past test reports (2D Echo, Angiography, etc.), comfortable clothes and shoes, and a home-packed snack for later. Only one person may accompany you.

 How Long Does It Take?

Plan to stay for 3–4 hours. It may be done in one go or split into two parts. You’ll get a small injection (radioactive tracer), then wait 45–60 minutes. First, you’ll have a resting scan for about 15 minutes. Then a stress test — either walking or with medicine — for about 15 minutes. After another wait, you’ll have a second scan for another 15 minutes. Your doctor may review results with you, which could take another 30 minutes.

What is a Stress Test?

A stress test shows how your heart works under stress. If you can walk, you may use a treadmill. If not, you’ll be given medicine to mimic exercise.

How the Scan Feels

The scan is painless. You’ll lie still with your arms above your head. You may feel warm or flushed from the medicine — that’s normal.

After the Scan

Drink lots of water to flush out the tracer. Avoid close contact with kids and pregnant women for the rest of the day. You can eat, rest, and take your usual medicines. You might feel a bit tired — that’s okay.

When Will I Get Results?

You’ll usually get the results in 1 to 3 days. Your doctor will explain what they mean.

Let the Team Know If:

You feel chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unwell during the test.

Safety Note

The scan uses a small amount of radiation. It’s safe and only used to check your heart.