Advanced Imaging That Brings Your Heart Health Into Focus
Your heart is at the center of your health, helping you live each day to the fullest. So when something doesn’t feel right, or you’re at risk of heart disease, we’ll help you find the answers and take charge of your health through cardiac imaging. Using smart, safe diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, MRI, CT, PET and SPECT scans, we can assess how your heart is functioning, understand your symptoms, deliver an accurate diagnosis and manage your condition.
And because we know heart concerns affect more than just your physical health, we prioritize your mental and emotional well-being throughout your cardiac imaging experience, too. We’ll make sure your questions about your specific test are answered and explain how to prepare so you can feel comfortable and confident. You can count on us not only to find the information you need and walk through your results, but also to help your heart become healthier, stronger and more resilient.
Heart Conditions We Diagnose Through Cardiac Imaging
As a form of diagnostic radiology, cardiac imaging helps us identify and understand a range of heart symptoms and conditions so we can design the right treatment plan for you. We’re ready to devote our expertise and technologies to finding your best path forward.
- Arrhythmias and other heart rhythm disorders
- Acquired heart disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack damage
- Heart failure
- Structural heart diseases
- Valve disease
Leading-Edge Cardiac Imaging Tests We Offer
Cardiac imaging tests help us visualize your heart’s structure, function and blood flow, so we can diagnose conditions like heart failure, valve disease and blockages. From ultrasound-based echocardiograms and detailed cardiac MRIs to nuclear medicine tests like PET and SPECT, these procedures give us the information we need to deliver the best heart care for you.
- Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT)
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Cardiac CT scans generate detailed cross-sectional images of your heart and its surrounding tissues, which help us evaluate and diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease, structural abnormalities and other heart-related concerns.
During a cardiac CT scan, you’ll lie on a movable table and may receive an IV with contrast, which helps us visualize blood vessels and heart structures. An X-ray machine will revolve around your body, gathering images, and you may need to hold your breath temporarily to help us get clear photos. Detailed pictures are taken of each portion of the heart and used to create a three-dimensional image of the entire organ.
A couple of different types of cardiac CT scans exist, including:
Cardiac CT Angiography
Cardiac CT angiography is an exam that uses advanced CT technology and intravenous contrast to create three-dimensional images of the moving heart and great vessels.
Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT Scan
This noninvasive imaging test measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries to help us calculate your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, this type of scan can provide valuable insights into your heart health, helping you make healthy changes.
- Echocardiography
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An echocardiogram is a painless test that uses sound waves to capture images of your heart. Once relayed to a computer, the sound waves are reconstructed into two- and three-dimensional images to create a moving picture of your heart. This type of cardiac imaging helps your provider get a better idea of how well your heart is functioning, assess the pressure within your heart and evaluate blood flow.
There are different types of echocardiograms, and the type performed depends on the information your physician needs. Types of echocardiograms include:
- Doppler echocardiograms, which use Doppler techniques to help measure the speed and direction of your heart’s blood flow and detect blood pressure issues in the heart’s arteries
- Fetal echocardiograms, which can show heart irregularities while in the womb
- Stress echocardiograms, which are designed to identify heart problems that can only be detected during physical activity
- Transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs), which are done through the mouth and throat to give your doctor a better live picture of your heart and its vessels
- Transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), which are the standard echocardiograms that translate sound wave echoes into a moving picture of your heart
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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A cardiac MRI is a radiation-free, noninvasive imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets and a computer to create detailed pictures of your heart and its surrounding structures, giving us a good idea of how the heart is functioning overall.
This type of cardiac imaging can be especially helpful in identifying whether a heart attack has occurred and in diagnosing and evaluating cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects. It’s especially helpful for people who are living with complex heart valve diseases, as it allows us to see scar tissue left by a heart attack or previous surgery. It can also show whether bypass surgery may be needed.
During your cardiac MRI, you’ll lie on an MRI table with ECG electrodes placed on your chest to monitor your heart’s rhythm. You may be given earplugs or headphones to block out the scanner noise, and you may need to hold your breath for a little bit so that your team can get clear images. Depending on your specific test, an IV line with contrast may be needed. If you’re anxious about being in tight spaces, sedation options may also be available.
- Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
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A cardiac PET test, also called a nuclear chemical stress test or a PET dipyridamole stress test, helps us diagnose coronary artery disease, identify areas of your heart with low blood flow and evaluate whether you need coronary artery bypass surgery. Unlike a treadmill stress test, which requires exercise, this test uses a medication called dipyridamole to increase blood flow to the heart.
During your cardiac PET scan, you’ll be given an injection of a safe radioactive tracer material. Energy rays from this material will then show up on your PET scan, which creates three-dimensional pictures of your heart from different angles.
The entire test can take up to three hours, and you’re able to go back to your regular activities immediately afterward. Your care team will advise you to drink extra water in the days following the test to help the tracer leave your body.
- Cardiac Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
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An exercise-based nuclear medicine stress test, a cardiac SPECT is a common test that evaluates how well blood flows to and through your heart during different levels of activity. It’s typically done for people who are struggling with unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath, or who are at a high risk of coronary artery disease.
A cardiac SPECT test begins with an intravenous injection of a radioactive contrast dye that circulates to the heart. Electrodes are attached to the chest, arms and legs so that an electrocardiogram (EKG) can be done. If you’re able to exercise, you’ll then use a treadmill to increase your heart rate to a certain point or until uncomfortable symptoms (dizziness, chest pain, etc.) make it necessary to stop. If you can’t walk on a treadmill, you’ll be given a medication to elevate your heart rate instead.
After exercising (or taking medication), your care team will give you more contrast to help gather X-ray images of your heart. These new X-rays are then compared with those taken at rest, which provides us with essential information about your heart’s function.
Answering Your Questions About Cardiac Imaging
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Q:Question: What is cardiac imaging?
A:Answer:Cardiac imaging is a way to take pictures of the heart and its surrounding structures, giving your health care provider valuable information about how your heart is functioning. Different cardiac imaging tests like echocardiography, cardiac CT, PET, MRI and nuclear stress tests help us diagnose and manage a variety of heart conditions, like heart failure, coronary artery disease and heart valve disease.
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Q:Question: Why would a doctor order a cardiac imaging test?
A:Answer:A health care provider will order a cardiac imaging test for you if they need to get a better picture of your heart’s structure and functioning. Cardiac imaging tests help doctors diagnose and manage various heart conditions, assess your symptoms, identify arterial blockages, evaluate structural abnormalities and examine blood flow and valve function, among other uses.
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Q:Question: What does an echocardiogram show?
A:Answer:A conventional echocardiogram shows how well your heart and its valves are working. It can also help your doctor evaluate your heart muscle health after a heart attack, and can show heart irregularities before babies are born, too. The results of your echocardiogram might also show:
- Abnormalities in heart chamber size
- Heart defects (often while in utero)
- Heart muscle damage or stiffness
- Pumping inconsistencies
- Too much pressure in the heart
- Valve issues
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Q:Question: Which imaging test is best for blocked arteries?
A:Answer:Several imaging tests can assess whether an artery is blocked, including CT angiography and the more invasive coronary angiogram. Your health care provider will choose the most appropriate test for you based on your specific needs.
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Q:Question: How do I prepare for an echocardiogram, MRI, CT, PET or SPECT scan?
A:Answer:Just as the tests themselves vary, so does the preparation for each type of cardiac imaging test. Your care team will provide detailed instructions on preparing for your specific cardiac imaging test, and you’re always welcome to ask any questions.
In general, your prep may look like:
Continue ReadingCollapse Answer- Echocardiogram: You can eat and drink as usual before a standard echo, but for a stress echo, you’ll be asked to fast for up to eight hours before. Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol and medications containing caffeine 12 hours before your echo.
- Cardiac MRI: Before your scan, tell your radiologist about any metal implants (leave all metal accessories at home), allergies, medications or if you may be pregnant. Wear loose-fitting, metal-free clothing and undergarments and follow any fasting instructions (applicable for some cardiac MRIs).
- Cardiac CT: You may need to fast for up to four hours before your cardiac CT scan. Even if you’re not fasting, avoid caffeine and tobacco beforehand. Leave jewelry, watches, glasses and other metal objects at home. Tell your radiologist if you have an allergy to contrast agents or if you might be pregnant.
- Cardiac SPECT: To prepare for this nuclear stress test, avoid caffeine for at least 24 hours before, and do not eat or drink anything except water for six hours before. Tell your care team about any medications you’re taking (including supplements) before your scan, as you may need to adjust or stop certain ones before your test.
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Q:Question: Do cardiac imaging tests use radiation?
A:Answer:Yes, some cardiac imaging tests use radiation — including cardiac calcium scoring, coronary CT angiography and SPECT — as part of the diagnostic process. Not all cardiac imaging tests use radiation, though, like MRIs and echocardiograms.
When radiation is needed for your test, our trained professionals use the minimum amount possible. Our team will ensure all your questions about potential radiation exposure are answered before your test begins, so you can have peace of mind.
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Q:Question: How long do cardiac imaging tests take?
A:Answer:Cardiac imaging test times vary depending on the type:
- Cardiac CT scan: about 10 minutes, plus prep time
- Cardiac MRI: typically, 30 to 90 minutes (more complex cases may take two hours)
- Cardiac PET: about 90 minutes, but can take up to three hours in some cases
- Echocardiography: a standard transthoracic echocardiogram takes approximately 45 minutes; a transesophageal echocardiogram typically takes 60 minutes; a stress echocardiogram takes about 30 to 60 minutes
- SPECT: about three to four hours total
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Q:Question: Is cardiac imaging safe?
A:Answer:Yes, cardiac imaging is very safe. There are options such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI that are nonionizing and noninvasive, with no radiation risk. When radiation is needed, it is considered safe when medically necessary and performed by our trained professionals who follow safety guidelines and use the lowest possible dose.
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Q:Question: What do abnormal cardiac imaging test results mean?
A:Answer:Abnormal results can vary depending on your initial diagnosis, your health history and ongoing evaluation. Your doctor will work closely with you to explain your results and the necessary follow-up care.
Find Cardiac Imaging Care Near You
When you need answers about your heart health, rest assured that we’ll find them for you. No matter which kind of imaging test you need, we’ll work to get you your results quickly so you can start treatment sooner.
Find a cardiac imaging location near you within the AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute network or call us today at Call833-554-5596 and our team will be happy to guide you.