Cardiac (Heart) Imaging

Effectively treating heart disease begins with screening and early detection. That's why UPMC cardiac imaging specialists offer the most advanced noninvasive cardiac tests and procedures, including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac CT, and vascular ultrasound, that provide detailed pictures of your heart and blood flow.

Patients who come to UPMC for advanced cardiac imaging can benefit from the latest technology and the combined expertise of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiac imaging specialists. Our experts work as a team to develop individual treatment plans for each patient.

What Is Cardiac Imaging?

Cardiac imaging tests take pictures of the heart. They are critical to the accurate diagnosis of many heart conditions. Using these images, doctors can evaluate the size and structure of your heart and see how well it functions.

Types of cardiac imaging

UPMC offers the most advanced cardiac imaging tests, including:

• Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET/CT) — This test detects areas of decreased blood flow in the heart. It is an accurate way to diagnose coronary artery disease while administering less radiation to patients.
• Coronary calcium scoring — Coronary calcium scoring is a painless scan that checks for calcium in plaque inside the coronary arteries.
• Coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) — A coronary computed tomography angiogram is a non-invasive 3D imaging test to detect blockages in the coronary arteries.
• Echocardiography (ECHO) — An echocardiogram is a widely used test that creates moving images of your heart and measures how well your heart works. UPMC offers stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).
• Nuclear cardiac studies — Nuclear cardiac studies show how your heart pumps and how your blood flows under stress. UPMC uses a 64-slice CT scanner and a D-SPECT® nuclear cardiology camera for nuclear cardiac studies.
• Cardiac MRI — Cardiac MRI uses magnets and radio frequencies to create detailed images of your heart, valves, and blood vessels.

Conditions we diagnose with cardiac imaging

• Aortic disease.
• Blood clots or tumors in the heart.
• Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease).
• Congenital heart defects (heart problems present at birth).
• Heart failure.
• Decreased blood flow to heart muscle (myocardial ischemia) due to blocked coronary arteries.
• Endocarditis (infection in the heart’s valves or inner lining).
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction).
• Heart valve disease.

Why Would I Need Cardiac Imaging?

If your doctor suspects you have a heart condition, you may need cardiac imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may also recommend cardiac imaging to screen you for heart disease if you have a family history or other risk factors.

Who’s a candidate for cardiac imaging?

You may be a candidate for cardiac imaging if you have heart problem symptoms or are at high risk of developing a heart condition.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Cardiac Imaging?

Cardiac imaging procedures are safe, noninvasive methods of assessing your heart's function. Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. However, the risks associated with cardiac imaging tests are minimal and complications are rare.

What Should I Expect from Cardiac Imaging?

Before: How to prepare for cardiac imaging

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take and ask if you should make any changes to your medicines or your diet before the test. You will receive instructions before your scheduled test, including:

• You may be told not to eat anything for several hours before the test.
• You may be told not to have any nicotine or caffeine products for 24 hours before the test.
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
• Do not use powders or lotions on your chest area on your test day.
• Bring all of the medicines you take with you to the test.
• Tell your doctor if there is a chance you could be pregnant.

How long does cardiac imaging take?

How long your test takes will depend on the type of test you are having. Generally, cardiac imaging tests take between 30 minutes and a few hours.

During your cardiac imaging test

Depending on the type of test you have, your cardiac imaging test will occur in a lab or imaging suite. Your technologist will monitor your heart’s activity or take images, and the results will be sent to your doctor for review.

Recovery after cardiac imaging

After completing your test, you can resume your normal activities immediately. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery depending on the type of test you have. If you are feeling well, you should be able to drive yourself home after your test.

When to call your doctor about cardiac imaging complications

You should call your doctor if you experience any complications after your cardiac imaging test, including:

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Blood pressure fluctuations during or after exercise.
• Chest pain.
• Flushing sensation.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Shortness of breath.
• Stomach pain or pressure.
• Vomiting.

Why Choose UPMC for Cardiac Imaging?

We offer the latest technology in fully accredited nuclear, echocardiography, and vascular laboratories. We are accredited by the Intersocietal Commission on Accreditation of Echo Labs (ICAEL), the Intersocietal Commission on Accreditation of Vascular Labs (ICAVL) and the Intersocietal Commission on Accreditation of Nuclear Labs (IAC).

In addition, if you are diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition that requires treatment, the specialists at UPMC can provide the care you need. We offer a full range of advanced cardiovascular procedures and the latest treatment options.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.