People located in the Patchogue, NY area who have been diagnosed with heart disease may benefit from a MUGA scan. This non-invasive medical procedure can provide valuable information that could save your life.
Curious if the MUGA scan could help you? Learn more about it and discover why many heart disease patients find this procedure helpful.
What Is the Purpose of the MUGA Scan?
The MUGA scan can help determine how well your heart is working. By using specialized medical equipment, your heart specialist will be able to gather images and video that shows how well blood flows into and out of your heart. The video and images also show how well the chambers of your heart are working.
Once the MUGA scan collects all the video and images, a heart specialist will be able to analyze them and determine if any abnormalities are present. If abnormalities are present, your heart specialist will work closely with you to address these issues and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
How to Prepare for the MUGA Scan
In the hours and the days leading up to your scheduled MUGA scan, there are a few things you will have to do to prepare. The following are some of the things you may be asked to do to prepare for an upcoming MUGA scan:
- Avoid eating or drinking for six to eight hours. Some heart specialists may ask that you avoid food and drink for up to 12 hours, but it is usually anywhere from six to eight.
- Avoid taking certain medications — some medications may interfere with the results of your test. Your heart specialist will advise you of what medications you can take on the day of the test and what medications you should avoid. Your heart specialist will also tell you when you should stop taking the medication and when you should resume it.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Leave all jewelry at home.
- Prepare for the testing to take up to three hours.
What Occurs During a MUGA Scan
When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked to prepare for the MUGA scan by removing clothing from the waist up and dressing in a hospital gown. Once you remove your clothing, medical staff will place small electronic electrodes around your chest. These electrodes are used to monitor the flow of your blood and how your heart works.
After the electrodes are placed, a dye will be injected into your vein. The dye helps enhance your blood so it can be seen by the scanning and imaging equipment. Once the dye has entered your bloodstream, your testing will begin.
Several images will be taken from several different angles. These images give your specialist an idea of how your heart works when it is resting. You will then be asked to do several different tasks, such as walking, standing or jogging. Images will be taken of your heart while you do these tasks.
Upon completion of the test, you may return home. You will be able to resume everyday activities as there is no recovery period, side effects or pain involved with the testing.
Understanding the Test Results
An appointment to receive your test results will be scheduled for several days to weeks after your MUGA scan. During the appointment your test results will come in the form of a percentage. That percentage determines how well your heart is working.
Test results of 50% or higher often indicate the heart is operating properly. Test results of 50% or lower could indicate a problem.
Based on your test results, your heart specialist will discuss ways you can improve your heart health.
Been diagnosed with heart disease or have a family history of heart disease? If so, you may want to consider scheduling a MUGA scan. Call Brookhaven Heart today at 631-654-3278 to schedule a consultation with a heart specialist to discuss whether you could benefit from a MUGA scan.
