Cardiovascular imaging captures detailed pictures of your heart using sophisticated technology. Doctors can then use these images to diagnose and treat heart conditions more precisely and accurately.
The University of Miami Health System’s imaging specialists provide cutting-edge cardiovascular imaging in South Florida. We use the latest technology and techniques to achieve faster, more precise diagnoses. We’re also pioneering new imaging methods for complex heart treatments and better patient outcomes.
When is cardiovascular imaging used?
Our team uses cardiovascular imaging for different reasons, including:
- To help determine the cause of symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
- To diagnose coronary artery disease and many other heart conditions.
- To plan and guide complex cardiac procedures.
- To monitor how different heart treatments are working.
Cardiovascular imaging can help diagnose and treat many heart conditions, such as:
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathy
- Carotid artery disease
- Congenital heart conditions (present at birth)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve problems
What are the benefits of cardiovascular imaging?
Cardiovascular imaging is growing fast because it enables benefits such as:
- Noninvasive testing (no incisions are needed)
- Higher-resolution images
- Safer (most tests use no radiation)
- Less risk of complications
- Faster, more accurate diagnoses
- Better, more targeted care
What are the different types of cardiovascular imaging?
Four key tests fall under the umbrella of cardiovascular imaging (also called multimodality imaging):
Echocardiography
Echocardiography (also called an echocardiogram, heart ultrasound, or heart sonogram) takes pictures of your heart in motion. It creates images that allow us to see your heart chamber and valves – and how they function.
Nuclear cardiac imaging
Nuclear cardiac imaging shows how blood flows through your heart. This can help us better understand how well your heart muscle is working. Nuclear cardiac imaging includes two key tests:
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)
Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
Cardiac CT captures detailed images using multiple X-ray beams from different angles. It shows the different components of your heart, as well as the vessels and surrounding structures. CT scans provide high-quality, 3D images, including views of your heart in motion.
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to provide moving images of your heart. For example, it can show us important information about the heart’s size, function, and tissue.
How do I prepare for a cardiovascular imaging test?
You’ll need to follow certain guidelines to prepare for cardiovascular imaging. These vary depending on which test you’re taking. We’ll explain what to expect and how to get ready. For example, we’ll make sure you know:
- What to eat and drink before your test.
- How to manage any medications you’re currently taking.
- What to wear to the test.
- How long the test will take.
- What to expect after the test.
- What the potential risks may be.
What are the risks of cardiovascular imaging?
Imaging tests can reduce the risk of complications by helping to ensure a more accurate diagnosis and precise treatment plan.
Still, cardiovascular imaging carries some risks. Also, certain tests may not be recommended for all people.
We’ll talk with you in advance about any potential risks or side effects and the best way to address them. Our team is committed to ensuring the safest, best experience possible.
Why Choose UHealth?
Better, more precise diagnostic heart care and treatment. The better we understand your condition, the better we can treat it. Our advanced imaging services can help us identify problems with your heart and the best way to treat them. We’re experts at knowing which tests to offer, how to read them, and how to provide care and treatment tailored for you.
Skilled cardiovascular imaging team. As an academic medical center, we offer the latest imaging care and technology. Our skilled specialists are backed by a highly trained team of cardiac specialists to support you every step of the way in your diagnosis and treatment.
Advancing artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiac imaging. As cardiac imaging expands, we’re pioneering new developments and bringing the latest innovations to you. This includes new developments in AI.
Our chief of cardiovascular medicine published a prominent paper on this topic in October 2023. Yiannis S. Chatzizisis, M.D., Ph.D., was the senior author of a piece that explores the use of AI to:
- Rapidly and accurately analyze imaging data for better, faster assessment of cardiac conditions.
- Practice and plan for complex procedures like stent placement using 3D computer simulations.
- Provide added peace of mind for patients undergoing heart treatment.
These and other advances in care promise to continue making heart treatment better, safer, and more precise.
New cardiac technology center in South Florida. To further research and development into new innovations, we recently opened the Center for Digital Cardiovascular Innovations at our Miller School of Medicine. This unites researchers and others to discover the next technologies in heart medicine and bring them here for you.
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