Myocardial Viability Testing

Myocardial viability testing is a medical procedure used to assess the health of the heart muscle, particularly after it has been damaged by a heart attack or reduced blood flow. In nuclear cardiology, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream. A special camera then captures images of the heart as it works, highlighting areas that are still alive and functioning. This information helps doctors determine the best treatment options, including whether a patient may benefit from procedures like angioplasty or surgery to restore blood flow to those damaged areas.