Precision cardiac imaging: Is it right for your heart?

Doctors use tools like electrocardiograms (EKGs), ultrasounds, and stress tests to assess heart health. These noninvasive screenings are helpful, but they often provide a general overview rather than a clear diagnosis.

Precision cardiac imaging, on the other hand, takes these tests a step further to see what’s actually happening with your heart. And that means your doctors will have the important insights they need to create a treatment plan that’s just right for you.

If you’re experiencing cardiovascular symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist today.

What is precision cardiac imaging?

Precision cardiac imaging refers to advanced cardiac screens, such as CT scans and MRIs of your heart. These tests offer more detailed pictures of your heart, allowing doctors to pinpoint a specific condition or issue and, ultimately, get to the most effective treatments.

“One of the key benefits of precision imaging is in the name – it’s more precise,” says David Woodard, MD, cardiovascular disease specialist with HCA Florida Healthcare. “Other tests give good assessments. But precision imaging gives a much more definitive idea of what cardiovascular disease you have and helps us provide answers that are specific to your problem.”

These tests can help diagnose:

• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Cardiomyopathies (weakening of the heart muscle)
• Coronary artery disease (narrow or blocked arteries)
• Valvular heart disease (valves that don’t work as they should)

What types of precision imaging tests are available?

Some of the most common types of advanced heart images are:

• Angiograms: Uses contrast dye and X-rays to closely examine blood vessels
• Cardiac computed tomography scans (CTs): Produces 3D images of your heart’s anatomy
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs): Builds a detailed model of your heart’s function and tissue

Your cardiologist will recommend a specific test depending on your suspected disease. For example, they may recommend a cardiac CT scan for coronary disease, but a cardiac MRI to diagnose cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.

These advanced tests help tailor therapy. For example, some treatments that are safe to treat certain kinds of cardiomyopathy are not recommended for others, which makes an accurate diagnosis even more important.

“We can pick interventions and treatments for each patient because we know exactly what they have,” says Dr. Woodard. “For example, with cardiac MRI, we can predict the chances of a future heart attack and determine if procedures like ablation therapy or implantable pacemakers will help lower their risk.”

Who is eligible for precision cardiac imaging?

After your doctor reviews the results of initial screens like EKGs, ultrasounds or treadmill stress tests, precision cardiac imaging may be recommended. Your doctor will also consider personal risk factors such as age, family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions.

You may be a candidate if you’ve experienced:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

“In the absence of risk factors or symptoms, we typically don’t recommend advanced imaging as a screening tool for low-risk patients,” says Dr. Woodard. “In these cases, a clinical exam, EKG and stress test are usually enough. However, if you’ve had concerning symptoms, advanced images are likely needed.”

What can I expect during my cardiac imaging appointment?

Before your imaging appointment, you’ll meet with your cardiologist to review the procedure and ask questions. You’ll also receive instructions on how to prepare.

For CT scans and MRIs

You’ll be asked to fast on the morning of your procedure. When you arrive and are checked in, your care team will walk you through the procedure step by step, from getting your IV to what to expect in recovery, so you’re clear on exactly what will happen.

“Both of these tests involve lying on a table in a tube for a period of time, which can be uncomfortable for some patients,” says Dr. Woodard. “But you’ll need to do your best to relax and cooperate with your care team so we can get the information we need — and we’ll be there to help you the whole time.”

Most patients can drive home afterward and resume normal activities. Your doctor will follow up with results and next steps.

For cardiac catheterization

Just like the other tests, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything after midnight. But that’s where the similarities end: Unlike CT scans and MRIs, cardiac catheterization is an invasive test, and you can expect to be sedated while your doctor threads a thin, flexible tube through your blood vessels and into your heart. 

One of the advantages of cardiac catheterization is that you’ll have answers right away. In some cases, your care team can even fix issues while you’re under sedation, such as placing a stent to restore blood flow.

“We’ll have talked about possibilities for treatment before your scan,” says Dr. Woodard. “And after, when we know exactly what’s going on, we’ll talk about your specific treatment for your specific disease.” 

Advanced technologies for your heart care

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to help you understand your heart health and take control of your treatment plan.

As Florida’s largest cardiovascular network, we offer a full range of heart, lung, and vascular services — right in your community. Our collaborative approach ensures seamless care across our network of heart hospitals.

Ready to take the next step? Call (833) 544-5031 to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist in the HCA Florida Healthcare network today.