PYP Study

WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Cary Cardiology

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

A pyrophosphate (PYP) scan is a non-invasive study for cardiac amyloidosis, a rare form of heart disease that puts you at risk of heart failure. Cary Cardiology, P.A., in Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Dunn, and Benson, North Carolina, is a state-of-the-art practice that performs the PYP study when necessary. To find out how a PYP study could benefit you, call Cary Cardiology, P.A., or book an appointment online today.

PYP Study Q&A

What is a PYP study?

A pyrophosphate (PYP) study is a diagnostic test that uses a radioactive form of pyrophosphate to evaluate the heart. More specifically, the study helps determine if you have cardiac amyloidosis, a rare type of heart disease.

The PYP study not only helps diagnose cardiac amyloidosis but also the type and severity of your disease.

What is cardiac amyloidosis?

Cardiac amyloidosis, or stiff heart syndrome, is a heart condition in which there’s an abnormal amount of protein (amyloid) in the heart muscle. The protein deposits cause the muscle to stiffen, impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood.

There are two types of cardiac amyloidosis: light-chain amyloidosis (AL) and

transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). The type indicates the specific protein causing the cardiac changes.

The PYP study helps determine the type, which is necessary for developing a treatment plan.

What do I need to do to prepare for the PYP study?

The Cary Cardiology, P.A., team provides specific instructions on preparing for your PYP study.

They advise against the PYP study for any patient who has had a heart attack within six days of the test. If you’re pregnant, think you’re pregnant, or nursing, let the team know before the exam.

What happens during the PYP study?

Your provider reviews the details of the PYP study at your consultation. They encourage you to ask as many questions as possible to feel comfortable during the test.

To begin, the technician injects the radioactive form of the PYP (Tc99m-PYP) into a vein in your arm through an intravenous (IV) line.

An hour after your injection, the team has you lie on the imaging table. They use a special camera that picks up the radioactive tracer, allowing them to take 3D images of the structure of your heart. You must lie very still during this test.

The imaging takes about 30 minutes. After your test, you can resume your usual activities. Your body gets rid of the radioactive tracer through your urine.

Your provider reviews the scans and schedules an appointment to discuss the results and treatment options.

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

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