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Our heart specialists use the latest technology to quickly and accurately diagnose heart and vascular problems. The Heart Institute is one of the state’s largest cardiovascular centers. Here, you can feel confident you’re receiving exceptional care from an experienced team of imaging specialists.
Heart imaging tests
Depending on your heart problem, your doctor may recommend one or more of these advanced heart imaging tests (also called cardiac imaging tests):
- Arteriogram: Uses an injectable contrast dye and X-ray images to show the location and severity of blocked blood vessels
- Doppler ultrasound: Uses sound waves to reveal blocked blood vessels
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Creates real-time 3D images of heart structure and functions
- Chest X-ray: Shows heart damage, heart enlargement and fluid retention in lungs (pulmonary edema) caused by heart failure
- Computed tomography angiogram (CTA): Uses an injectable dye and CT scan to reveal blood vessel blockages
- Echocardiogram (echo): Uses ultrasound to measure the heart’s pumping action, or ejection fraction
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to show heart enlargement or strain
- Magnetic resonance angiogram: Uses magnetic and radio wave energy to take pictures of blood vessels
- Multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan: A tracer, or injectable radioactive dye, helps to visualize and measure the heart’s pumping action, called ejection fraction
- Nuclear stress test: A radioactive dye and imaging tests show blood flow to the heart and evidence of coronary artery disease
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A tracer, or injectable radioactive dye, measures blood flow and oxygen intake