Cardiac Imaging

Cardiac imaging is used to screen for and diagnose heart disease and defects, such coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects.

There are a different types of cardiac imaging tests that are used in order to accurately diagnose the condition as well as determine the best form of treatment for the patient. These may include:

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within the heart.
• Coronary CT angiography (CTA), which uses computed tomography (CT) and a intravenous contrast material (dye) to create three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries to determine the exact location and extent of plaque buildup.
• Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) (also called a nuclear stress test) in which a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the patient and accumulates in the heart. A special camera takes pictures of the heart while the patient is at rest and following exercise to determine the effect of physical stress on the flow of blood through the coronary arteries and to the heart muscle.

Our cardiac imaging team members are board-certified specialists who have received an additional year of training in a subspecialized fellowship upon the completion of a diagnostic radiology residency.