Has Anyone Had a Heart PET Scan?

[Nelson Vergel]

A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is a diagnostic test used in cardiology to check blood flow to the heart. During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, which is not a dye or contrast. A special camera called a PET scanner detects the radiation released by the tracer and creates computer images of the heart. The greatest benefits of a cardiac PET scan are its ability to accurately measure blood flow between the coronary arteries and heart muscle, detect areas of low blood flow in the heart, and identify dead tissue. PET scans are also useful in quantifying myocardial blood flow and assessing myocardial perfusion[1][2][3][4][5].

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I am glad all my four tests came back OK.

I got a heart PET scan, electrocardiogram, carotid CT scan, Cardio IQ, and ambulatory wireless heart monitor during the last three weeks. The most comprehensive cardiovascular work up I have ever gone through.

 

[sammmy]

Did the insurance cover all that or you had to pay out of pocket?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Insurance covered everything. I got the Cardio IQ from my company:

Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel | Discounted Labs

Discover the best heart disease predictor with Cardio IQ test. Get insights into your lipid profile and take control of your heart health.

www.discountedlabs.com

 

[sammmy]

Did you have any symptoms that made you do the PET scan?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Did you have any symptoms that made you do the PET scan?

I have experienced extreme fatigue (not fully recovered after COVID and RSV back to back) and some slight chest discomfort on rare occasions. I am 64 and have lived with HIV for 40 years (higher risk for heart attacks), with a strong family history of heart disease. Gladly, I have good genes when it comes to lipids. My blood pressure was borderline high for many years, too. I recently found a great young cardiologist that does not vilify testosterone.

 

[sammmy]

I'm glad your heart tests are good. Are you still experiencing the fatigue?

I used to have post-meal fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches and also went first through a cardiologist. I thought I had "chronic fatigue syndrome", which doesn't explain anything. My symptoms were related to a damaged digestive system, so I am doing much better since I started digestive enzymes and vit B2 (anti-inflammatory for the post-meal headaches).

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Thank you. I am relieved.

Post-meal fatigue is the worst for me. I take digestive enzymes before every meal. They help with bloating but not with postprandial somnolence.

I am looking into getting a continuous glucose monitor to see what's happening with each food choice.