MUGA Study

WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Cary Cardiology

Multi-Specialty Cardiovascular Group located in Cary, NC & Fuquay-Varina, NC

A multigated acquisition scan (MUGA) is a non-invasive study that allows the skilled cardiologists at Cary Cardiology, P.A., to assess how well the lower chambers of your heart work. They can talk with you about this highly specialized test at their offices in Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Dunn, and Benson, North Carolina. To find out how a MUGA study could benefit you, call Cary Cardiology, P.A., or book an appointment online today

MUGA Study Q&A

What is a MUGA study?

A multigated acquisition (MUGA) study, or radionuclide angiography, is a nuclear imaging test that evaluates how well your heart pumps.

For this study, the Cary Cardiology, P.A., team injects a radioactive tracer into a blood vessel and then uses a special camera to capture images of your heart while it’s pumping.

Why would I need a MUGA study?

Your provider at Cary Cardiology, P.A., tells you why you need a MUGA study. They may perform the diagnostic imaging test to better understand the cause of your concerning symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing.

They may also recommend the MUGA study if other less invasive tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), fail to provide enough information to get an accurate diagnosis.

How do I prepare for a MUGA study?

The team provides you with specific guidelines to prepare for your MUGA study. In general, there’s no special preparation needed for the test. You can eat your usual diet and take your medications as scheduled. They also recommend coming to the study wearing comfortable clothing and keeping valuables at home.

What happens during a MUGA study?

While you lie comfortably on the exam table, a technician applies electrodes to your chest. The electrodes attach to an EKG machine, which tracks the electrical activity in your heart.

They place an intravenous (IV) line in your arm and administer the radioactive tracer. You then lie back, and the technician takes pictures of your heart using the special camera. The radioactive tracer attaches to your blood cells, making it easier for your provider to see how the blood flows through your heart.

The team may perform the MUGA study when your heart is at rest and then during an exercise stress test to see how well your heart works when pumping hard. They take several pictures of your heart at different angles.

A MUGA study takes about two hours, and you can resume your usual activities afterward. The radioactive tracer is safe for most people, and your body gets rid of it in your urine within 24 hours. Your Cary Cardiology, P.A., provider reviews the images and schedules an appointment to discuss the results and treatment plan.

To find out more about the MUGA study, call Cary Cardiology, P.A., or book an appointment online today.

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