What is a common indication for a myocardial perfusion study?

A myocardial perfusion study is commonly used to evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD) because it assesses the blood flow to the heart muscle. This type of study helps identify areas of the heart that may not be receiving adequate blood supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. By using radiopharmaceuticals injected into the bloodstream, the study can visualize and assess the perfusion of the heart muscle at rest and during stress.

If areas show reduced blood flow, it can indicate ischemia or previous myocardial infarction, both of which are key concerns in CAD. Therefore, performing a myocardial perfusion study provides valuable information on the functional status of the coronary arteries and helps guide treatment decisions for patients suspected of having heart disease. Other options, such as assessing lung function, detecting liver lesions, and measuring bone density, are unrelated to the specific purpose and application of a myocardial perfusion study, which is solely focused on cardiac health.