Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Myocardial Perfusion Scanning (MPS)

Assess your heart's blood flow and identify areas of reduced perfusion with myocardial perfusion scanning (MPS). Book your consultation with our experts today.

Bookings: bookings.hearthealth@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2005

What is Myocardial Perfusion Scanning (MPS)?

A myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) shows blood flow to the heart using a small amount of radioactive substance to create images. The myocardial perfusion looks at the pumping action of your heart and the flow of blood to your heart. This can help in diagnosing coronary heart disease, or can show the benefits of having a coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery.


What happens during a Myocardial Perfusion Scanning?

A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream so that your blood flow can be detected by a special camera.

The camera is positioned close to your chest to take pictures of different parts of the heart, very similar to an x-ray. This test is done in two parts – when your heart is stressed, and when your heart is resting.

To stress the heart, before you are injected you will be asked to exercise on a piece of exercise apparatus. If you cannot exercise, your consultant may administer some medicine to increase your heart rate instead.

An hour later, after you’ve eaten and drank to clear the radiation from your system, you will go back and be injected again. Whilst you are lying on the bed, with a rested heart, the camera then collects the same images.


Risks of a Myocardial Perfusion Scanning

Whilst it is a small amount, you will be exposed to some radiation during this test. There are usually no side effects from this type of scan but you may feel a bit breathless with the medicines given.

There are a few factors to remember:

  • Don’t have any food or drink containing caffeine at least 24-hours before the test
  • You must tell the consultant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You need to lie as still as possible for this test to be effective

OneWelbeck app

OneWelbeck patients will be offered the use of the MyRecovery smartphone app. This doctor-designed app acts as a mobile patient companion to guide you through the steps to prepare for the myocardial perfusion scanning and prevent and delays to your care.

The app will use two methods to provide you with a seamless myocardial perfusion scanning experience by offering you the right information at the right time through:

  • Video messages from your consultant and clinical team
  • Pre-procedure checklists that are visible to you and your clinical team

Overview

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Doctor Referral Only

You will generally need to get a referral letter from your NHS GP, Private GP, or other doctor to access this service or treatment. Find out more including how we can assist you

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Fixed Price Package

For peace of mind, this service or treatment is available for an all-inclusive fixed price package.