If your doctor suspects that there could be a health concern with your heart, then a PET scan could be ordered. This is a common scan that is performed, usually in a hospital or imaging center, that reveals details about your heart using a contrast that’s injected through an intravenous line. Here are a few tips on how you can prepare for your cardiac PET imaging scan during the days and hours before your appointment.
The Days Before
Talk to your doctor about any medications that you take, especially if you’re a diabetic. Sometimes, you might need to make a few changes to your diet so that your blood sugar levels stay up during the scan as you might not be able to eat for a few hours before the scan begins. Avoid doing any kind of intense physical activity for about 48 hours before your cardiac PET imaging scan. You want to be as relaxed as possible for the doctor to get a clear image of your heart.
Right Before the Scan
Avoid a lot of foods that are high in carbohydrates or sugars. You should also avoid eating any candy or chewing gum. For about six hours before your scan, you need only to drink water instead of drinking soft drinks. You shouldn’t eat anything before the scan as the contrast could have an interaction with your body. Some of the foods that you can have include those that are high in protein and fresh vegetables.
At Your Appointment
When you get to the location where the scan will be performed, a nurse will talk to you about what to expect. A tracer is administered intravenously. After a designated time, the scan will begin. A machine will take pictures of your heart and other areas of your body to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
Contact Cardiac Imaging, Inc., at mobilecardiacpet.com for more information about how to prepare for the scan.
