Resting Radionuclide Angiogram Test - (RNA)

A nuclear medicine test known as a resting radionuclide angiography is a type of nuclear medicine test. During the scan, doctors employ a little quantity of a radioactive chemical called a tracer to assist in revealing the heart's chambers in action. 

This test can inform a doctor how well the heart pumps and how much blood each beating pumps. 

The ejection fraction is the term for this. It takes roughly half an hour to two hours and you have a chance of being discharged the same day.

A radioactive tracer typically technetium is injected into an arm vein by your doctor. 

The tracer tracks blood cells, allowing your doctor to monitor them through the heart with a scanner. 

The heart muscle is then recorded in real-time using a special camera. These records can be matched with the electrocardiogram by your doctor (ECG).

Why would I require an RNA?

Don’t mistake the acronym RNA with ribonucleic acid. Your doctor may order a resting radionuclide angiography (RNA) for the following reasons:

⦁ Pain in the chest

⦁ Breathing problems

⦁ Feeling dizzy

⦁ Tiredness (extreme tiredness)

A resting RNA test may be ordered if your doctor suspects you have heart problems.

Your doctor may have recommended this test for various reasons. If the heart muscle isn't moving regularly or the heart isn't pumping out enough blood, it might be an indication of one or more of the following:

⦁ Injury to the heart muscle, probably as a result of congested heart arteries reducing blood supply to the heart muscle.

⦁ One or more of the heart's chambers are enlarged.

⦁ An aneurysm is a condition in which a blood vessel in the arterial wall is weakened.

⦁ Certain drugs have toxic side effects.

⦁ Insufficiency of the heart

What are the dangers of RNA?

Only a little quantity of the radioactive tracer is used by your doctor. As a result, no precautions against radiation exposure are required. The radioactive tracer injection may cause some vision problems. Allergies to the tracer are uncommon.

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. Radiation can cause birth abnormalities if it is received during pregnancy. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are nursing. Other dangers may exist, depending on your medical condition. Before the operation, make sure to share any concerns you have with your doctor. This test's findings may be hampered or influenced by a variety of variables. 

These are some of them:

⦁ Caffeine use before the surgery

⦁ Before the surgery, smoking or using any type of tobacco is prohibited.

⦁ Medications for the heart

How can I get ready for an RNA test?

Your doctor will go through the test with you and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form indicating that you agree to participate in the exam. If anything is confusing, read the form carefully and ask questions.

You won't require sedation in most cases. Before the test, you may be instructed to fast for at least 3 to 4 hours. Tobacco and caffeine may need to be avoided for 2 or 3 hours before the test.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. Radiation can cause birth abnormalities if it is received during pregnancy. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are nursing. The radioactive tracer has the potential to contaminate breast milk.

All drugs (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements should be disclosed to your doctor. If you are allergic or sensitive to drugs, local anesthetic, contrast dyes, iodine, or latex, tell the technician or doctor.

If you have a pacemaker or any other cardiac device, tell your doctor. Your doctor may require further preparation based on your medical condition.