Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Cardiac imaging tests can help detect heart disease before a
serious cardiac event occurs. It can also help your medical team determine the best course of treatment if you do experience heart problems.
Our cardiac imaging radiologists subspecialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
We have extensive experience using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine (a subspecialty that uses small, safe amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases) to create detailed images of the heart. These images help us accurately determine if you have a heart condition and, if so, the best way to treat it.
Cardiac CT
The most common cardiac CT procedures include:
- Coronary CT angiography: diagnoses narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply your heart with blood. This procedure may eliminate or determine the need for further treatment.
- Coronary calcium scoring: measures the calcification (the buildup of calcium salts in your body tissue) in your coronary arteries to determine your risk for coronary artery disease or a future heart attack.
- Pulmonary vein mapping: helps interventional cardiologists perform a catheter-based procedure called ablation to restore normal heart rhythm.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): A less invasive procedure used for patients who are not candidates for traditional open heart surgery.
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI is used to detect:
- Abnormal coronary artery origins, which can lead to chest pain or abnormal rhythms
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- The severity of a heart attack
- Heart inflammation
- Tumors
A team approach to cardiac imaging
To ensure optimal care, our cardiac imaging team works closely with you and your cardiology team, including your:
- Cardiac surgeon
- Cardiologist
- Pulmonologist