RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Recognizing and Responding to the Acute Cardiac Stress Patient
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
JO J. Nucl. Med. Technol.
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP jnmt.125.269450
DO 10.2967/jnmt.125.269450
A1 Currie, Geoffrey
A1 Kiat, Hosen
YR 2025
UL http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/early/2025/03/03/jnmt.125.269450.abstract
AB A cardiac emergency in SPECT/CT and PET/CT occurs infrequently but necessitates prompt recognition and an appropriate response. The emergence of 18F-based myocardial perfusion radiopharmaceuticals is anticipated to increase the use of cardiac stress testing; therefore, it is crucial for personnel, including nuclear medicine technologists in PET departments, to be equipped with proper training and competency to identify and manage deteriorating cardiac patients or emergency cardiac events. This article provides insight into the foundation principles of both cardiac stress testing and the use of adjunctive medications to manage patients after stress. The acute deteriorating nuclear cardiology patient is outlined, including recognizing crucial changes in vital signs and basic electrocardiogram interpretation. Key medications associated with an emergency response are detailed. Armed with these tools, nuclear medicine technologists can more confidently care for high-risk nuclear cardiology patients.