I-123-omega-heptadecanoic acid (HDA) was evaluated for myocardial scanning in 59 healthy volunteers and 133 patients, using a 7-pinhole collimator. Early (uptake) and late (retention) images were compared visually. Regional HDA elimination was also followed semiquantitatively based on the calculation of a retention-over-uptake ratio, R(phi), derived from the maximal counts/pixel in 60 midventricular slice sectors. The healthy heart concentrated HDA homogeneously in all segments with no difference between early and late images. The minimal R(phi), taken as representative of that myocardium with the best function, was unchanged after maximal ergometer stress and with dipyramidole-induced hyperperfusion. A circumscribed decreased HDA uptake is the clear-cut criterion for an abnormal finding. HDA tomography of the myocardium had an 86% sensitivity for myocardial infarcts (MIs) up to 4 wk old, and 83% for myocardial scars (MSs). Comparing early and late tomograms, we find a cool-warm sequence more often with acute and subacute MIs. A cool-cool or a cold-cold sequence dominated with MSs. HDA tomoscintigraphy cannot replace TI-201 for the evaluation of regional coronary reserve in coronary heart disease.