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Hi Susan:
A MUGA is not absolutely accurate. It is accurate within a certain range.
If you have had a sudden drop in MUGA, it could be related to it's accepted standard variability. It will take two MUGAs showing a similar significant drop before it is significant.
If you want to assist in improving/maintaining your MUGA - do aerobic exercise.
The MUGA scan visually measures the amount of blood that your right ventrical can pump. 60% means that your heart pumps 60% of your blood in the chamber with one "pump". That part of the heart muscle is exercised and conditioning is improved if you do aerobic exercise.
To make an improvement you must exercise 1 hour 4 days in 5 days. On the 5th day you can rest. Your rest day is as important as your 4 exercise days. You should also take a rest day the day BEFORE your MUGA so that your heart is rested for the test. You don't need to do vigorous exercise, but you need to maintain your heart rate at around 120 beats @ minute for the one hour time period. It's easiest to keep track of it if you use a heart monitor.
You can "cheat" a little bit by drinking something cafinated just before going to the MUGA - say a coke or a coffee - this might improve it slightly.
Regards
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