Cardiac Amyloid Prep
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Cardiac Amyloid Scan Locations
Find out when you book
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eric Lenza, MDCM, MSc, FRCPC
What is a cardiac amyloid scan?
A cardiac amyloid scan is a nuclear medicine test that looks for protein buildup in the heart. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that can accumulate in the heart muscle. It causes your heart walls to thicken and become stiffer, affecting function.
How does a cardiac amyloid scan work?
A small amount of radioactive material is injected into your body. The radiotracer is taken up by areas of your heart with amyloid buildup. Cameras detect the radiation inside your body, and a computer uses the information to produce images.
Comparing your lungs and bones to your heart
Our radiologist will compare the radiotracer uptake in your heart muscle to that in your lungs and bones. If more radiotracer is seen in the heart, it can mean a buildup of amyloid protein.
What to expect during my cardiac amyloid scan?
A cardiac amyloid scan is done in two parts:
Part one
- The radiotracer is injected into your arm.
- There is a 2.5-hour wait to give the radiotracer time to circulate through your body.
- You’re free to leave the clinic until the next part of the exam.
Part two
- When you return, you’ll lie on your back on the scanning bed.
- Cameras will move over your chest and take images for about an hour.