Diagnosing Heart Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and is caused by a built-up of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, as patients with CAD are at increased risk of potentially fatal complications such as heart attack and stroke.  

Every successful treatment starts with the right diagnosis

Cardiac imaging – a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology – plays a critical role in enabling prompt, accurate diagnosis and informing subsequent treatment. It uses innovative procedures to help cardiologists and radiologists effectively diagnose heart disease, such as CAD. Prompt and accurate diagnosis helps doctors to make informed decisions and supports therapy. Moreover, cardiac imaging can be used to monitor disease progression or a patient’s response to treatment.

There are several cardiac imaging modalities. In addition to X-rays and ultrasounds, cardiac radiologists use advanced imaging techniques such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans or coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to provide clear direction from diagnosis to care.

Cardiac MRI

CMR, sometimes known as cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), is a medical imaging technology designed to assess the function and structure of the cardiovascular system in a non-invasive manner. The radiation-free procedure is performed in a scanner with a high magnetic field and radio waves.

CMR generates extremely high-resolution anatomical images of the heart chambers and also provides moving images to evaluate cardiac function. In most cases, the procedure involves injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent during the scan to highlight the blood vessels and perfused areas on the images. This can help provide information about tissue blood supply, inflammation, and scarring.

Coronary computed tomography angiography and cath lab

Computed tomography (CT) angiography images blood vessels using iodinated contrast agents injected into the venous bloodstream. CCTA uses CT technology to take images of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the muscle of a beating heart and to determine whether they are narrowed or blocked.

Cardiologists also use contrast agents in x-ray angiography for the visualization of coronary stenosis in the catheterization laboratory. Commonly referred to as a cath lab, this is an examination room in a hospital or clinic with diagnostic imaging equipment to visualize the arteries of the heart as well as its chambers and treat any stenosis or abnormality found. The arteries are visualized with iodinated x-ray contrast media.

The importance of ensuring patients are informed 

Patients often experience a wide range of emotions prior to and during a cardiac imaging process. Informing patients about the benefits and risks of diagnostic procedures is key to empowering them to make therapy decisions with their care team. 

Therefore, cultivating better and more widespread understanding of how medical imaging is informing and benefitting clinical decisions throughout the continuum of care is crucial in paving the way for improved outcomes for patients.