3-4 minute read
Key takeaways
- Imaging tests provide detailed images of the heart’s structure, unlike an ECG, which measures electrical activity.
- Different tests serve different purposes. Combining tests improves diagnosis and personalised treatment.
- Expertise matters! Choosing an experienced cardiologist ensures proper interpretation of results, access to advanced technology, and tailored care for better outcomes.
Sometimes, when exploring issues with your heart, we need to get a clearer picture to confirm what may be troubling you. Imaging tests can help us see what is going on with the structure and surrounding anatomy that may be causing problems.
In this article, I detail why we may perform imaging tests alongside others such as an ECG, the types of imaging tests available, and the importance of finding the right cardiologist to perform these tests.
Why would I need imaging, and how does it compare to an ECG?
Imaging tests, such as echocardiograms or cardiac CT scans, are essential tools because they allow us to actually see the structure and function of your heart, which is not possible with an electrocardiogram (ECG) alone.
An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart and shows your heart’s rate and rhythm as a graph, helping to detect arrhythmias or signs of previous heart attacks. In contrast, imaging tests utilise ultrasound or other technologies to produce moving images of your heart and blood vessels. These pictures provide detailed information about your heart’s size, valve function, and pumping ability. They can detect problems such as heart failure, valve disease, congenital heart defects, and any damage you may have after a heart attack.
Imaging is often recommended if you experience symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, or a heart murmur. It may also be suggested if an ECG indicates a possible problem that requires further investigation.
In many cases, both ECG and imaging are needed. The ECG test gives a quick overview of your heart’s rhythm, while imaging shows whether the heart muscle, valves, or blood flow are affected. Together, these tests give us a much clearer picture, guiding your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Types of cardiac imaging tests
There are many different types of imaging tests that can give us different insights into your heart’s health. See below for details on some of the key tests we may perform:
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is a safe, painless, non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to create real-time images of your heart. This test allows us to assess how well your heart is pumping, look at the structure and function of your heart valves, and check if all four chambers are working properly.
You may need this test if you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, a heart murmur, or swelling in your legs. We may also recommend this test if we suspect conditions like heart valve problems, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or if you’ve had a heart attack.
The results help us diagnose or monitor these conditions and choose the best treatment plan for you. As there is no radiation, it can be easily repeated. Echocardiograms are also used to monitor and follow up on known heart conditions over time.
Cardiac CT scan
A cardiac CT scan is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays to produce highly detailed, three-dimensional images of your heart and the blood vessels supplying it. It helps us to directly see if there are any narrowing or blockages in your heart arteries, detect early plaque buildup, assess heart structure, and evaluate for other heart or valve problems.
You may need this test if you have symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or if we suspect you have coronary artery disease or are at risk for a future heart attack.
It can also be helpful to check your heart if you have an abnormal stress test, unexplained heart symptoms, or risk factors such as high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. The scan provides us with crucial information to determine if you require treatment, medication, or lifestyle changes, and it may help us avoid more invasive tests unless necessary.
Cardiac MRI
A heart MRI scan is a safe, painless, non-invasive test that uses strong magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation, to produce highly detailed images of your heart and major blood vessels. This scan helps us examine your heart’s structure, function, and blood flow with great accuracy, and can show us areas of heart muscle damage, scarring from previous heart attacks, inflammation, problems with the heart valves, or issues with the aorta and the heart’s outer lining.
We may recommend a cardiac MRI if you have symptoms or conditions that need investigation, abnormal heart function, unexplained heart failure, suspected cardiomyopathy, or congenital (inherited) heart defects.
It also helps us monitor certain heart conditions over time and guide your treatment. If you have a known heart condition or complex heart anatomy, this scan often gives us the best understanding of your heart’s health without the use of radiation.
Invasive coronary angiogram
An invasive coronary angiogram is a specialised test that shows us if your heart’s arteries are narrowed or blocked. It involves inserting a thin tube into an artery in your wrist or groin, injecting a dye, and taking X-ray images of your heart’s blood vessels.
We may recommend this test if you have symptoms that need further investigation, or signs of a possible heart attack or coronary artery disease. It provides the most accurate picture of your heart arteries and can help guide immediate treatment, such as placing a stent to improve blood flow.
Choosing the right cardiologist
It’s important to have a cardiologist you trust, especially when you’re having imaging tests to check your heart. Choosing the right private cardiologist ensures your heart problems are identified and treated quickly and accurately, giving you peace of mind and better health outcomes.
As an experienced cardiologist, I take the time to explain results to my patients clearly, answer any questions, and make sure they feel comfortable and supported throughout their care.
At the clinic, the team and I use the latest imaging technology to gain the best possible understanding of your heart, and will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. With us, you’re not just getting expert care. You’re getting a kind and thoughtful approach that prioritises your health.
If you have concerns about your heart health and would like further testing done by an expert, contact us today to explore how we can support you in your heart health journey.
