Nuclear Cardiology
Nuclear cardiology is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals, along with specialized cameras and computer techniques to diagnose and assess various heart conditions. It combines the principles of nuclear medicine with those of cardiology.
In nuclear cardiology procedures, patients are typically administered a radiotracer, which is usually injected into the bloodstream. The radiotracer emits gamma rays, which can be detected by a gamma camera or a PET scanner. These cameras capture images of the heart, allowing physicians to assess its structure, function, blood flow, and metabolism.