Cardiovascular Imaging
Cardiovascular imaging includes a number of different tests that take pictures of your heart and the surrounding structures and tissues. Your cardiologist may order a Cardiovascular Imaging test to help:
-
Diagnose a heart condition
- Screen for heart disease
- Determine the cause of symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
- Determine if a heart attack occurred and the extent of any damage
- Monitor the heart to determine if a current treatment is working
Conditions that can be diagnosed by cardiovascular imaging include:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital birth conditions or structural abnormalities
- Coronary artery disease
- Pericardial disease
Cardiovascular Imaging Services
To help your cardiologist provide the best diagnosis for you or your loved one, Community Memorial offers a number of cardiovascular imaging tests.
Cardiac CT: A cardiac CT scan captures multiple images of the heart from different angles and utilizes a computer to piece them together into a three-dimensional view of your heart. This type of test may be ordered to detect a blockage, to map the heart, or when other tests are inconclusive.
Coronary Angiogram: A coronary angiogram is an X-ray test that is performed during a heart catheterization. Dye is injected into the heart through a catheter, and an X-ray camera is used to photograph the die as it moves through the vessels and arteries around and into the heart. This type of test is generally used to find clogged or blocked arteries.
Echocardiogram: Also known as an “Echo” this type of test uses ultrasound technology to produce images of your heart and its associated structures. It provides your physician with videos of your heart’s valves, chambers, walls, and blood vessels. It can also be used to measure how well the heart is pumping blood, and detect potential structural abnormalities.
Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test: A nuclear cardiac stress test uses a tracer to monitor blood flow in and around the heart. The tracer is injected into the heart and then a special camera is used to take pictures. The test is performed once at rest and once following exercise.
