A rest multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) is a simple test to show how well your heart is pumping blood. A special camera takes pictures at specific times during each heartbeat. This test is also sometimes referred to as a cardiac blood pool scan.
Why is Your Doctor Ordering MUGA?
MUGA helps your doctor see how well your heart is pumping to learn why you may be having chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness or tiredness. MUGA can also track the effect of certain chemotherapy drugs on the heart.
What to Expect?
During your MUGA, an intravenous line (IV) will be started in your arm through which you will receive medication to prepare your red blood cells. You will then receive a small amount of radioactive substance called a tracer, which enables your heart to be seen with a gamma camera that detects the radioactive material as it flows through the heart and lungs. One five-minute picture will be taken of your heart while you lie on your back. The test takes about an hour.