Cardiac Imaging
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI)
A noninvasive diagnostic test to compare the blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) at rest and during exercise as a means of detecting coronary artery disease.
Preparation
  • You may be required to stop taking some of your medication.  If you have any concerns check with us, your doctor or your cardiologist.
  • Do not eat anything for four hours before the study.  You may have a drink of water.
  • Avoid all products containing caffeine including tea, coffee, chocolate, cola and energy drinks containing caffeine for 24 hours before the study.
  • Wear or bring comfortable clothes for the exercise test.
  • Bring the results of any previous cardiac investigations or admissions you may have and the letter of referral from your doctor or specialist.
What to expect
There are two parts to a myocardial perfusion study, a resting scan and a stress (exercise) scan. There is a 2-3 hour interval between the two scans, during which time you can leave the clinic and take a light lunch. You will need to allow most of the day for this study.
There are no restrictions after this procedure and you will be able to drive and proceed as normal.
Document Downloads
Cardiac Imaging
(PDF, 2.1 MB)
How the procedure is performed.