The earliest procedures that involved radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate heart disease occurred in the late 1960's. The First Pass procedure and the measurement of circulatory transit times gained limited acceptance during this period. In the mid 1970's the use of the first agent that would localize in the heart muscle generated interest by a few cardiologists. By the end of the 1970's a new agent became available and cardiac specialists began their involvement in this new technology.

The role of the physician performing the procedure has a pivotal influence in nuclear cardiology. The traditional radiologist or nuclear medicine physician performing the procedure did not appreciate the diagnostic needs of the cardiac physician. As the traditional providers lost imaging markets to CT and then MRI and as reimbursement changed, the opportunity for interest in nuclear cardiology increased.

The first formal training for cardiologists to become licensed in nuclear medicine (cardiology) occurred about 1970. This accredited program evolved out of the need to provide physicians, radiologists, endocrinologists, pathologists, and cardiologists with the education required to obtain a nuclear license. In the early 1980's, the first program designed for cardiologists, National Institutes for Professional Education (NIPE). The identification of "Nuclear Cardiology" as a specialty occurred with NIPE evolved into the Institute for Nuclear Medical Education (INME).

Technology evolution and the development of new radiopharmaceuticals have enhanced the growth of the nuclear cardiology field. Imaging devices such as the CardioSPECT, gamma cameras, now employ computer technology that provides diagnostic information of greater clinical significance. The radiopharmaceuticals now permit measurements of widely different clinical parameters that, when placed in the hands of a qualified, practicing cardiologist, provides diagnostic information that is of great significance in the management of the cardiologists' patients.

Modern nuclear cardiology is practiced in the outpatient clinical setting by the practicing cardiologist. Nuclear cardiology procedures now exceed all other nuclear medicine procedures (combined) in volume and are uncompared in clinical importance. Companion procedures; i.e., CT, MRT, and Cath, are complementary to nuclear cardiology. The thousands of cardiologists now practicing nuclear cardiology continue to increase as does the number of procedures performed.

For more information about this subject contact NCS:  ncs@nuclearcardiology.com 

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