Understanding Your Heart: A Look at Common Cardiac Imaging Studies

Cardiac imaging helps your doctor assess heart structure, function, and blood flow. Different tests provide different information:

❤️ Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses ultrasound waves to create real-time moving images of your heart’s chambers, valves, and pumping action.

❤️ CT Calcium Score: A quick, non-contrast CT scan that measures calcium plaque buildup in coronary arteries, helping assess overall heart attack risk.

❤️ CT Coronary Angiogram: An advanced CT scan using contrast dye to create detailed 3D images of the coronary arteries to evaluate for blockages or narrowing.

❤️ Cardiac MRI: Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of heart muscle, structure, tissue health, and function, without radiation.

These are diagnostic tools. Your cardiologist or doctor will determine if and which test is appropriate based on your individual symptoms, history, and risk factors.

If you have concerns about heart health, the first and most important step is a consultation with your healthcare provider. For more information, visit our website.