Cardiac Imaging

At Apex Radiology, we offer a range of cardiac imaging services in a caring and compassionate environment, to assist your GP or Specialist in accurately providing a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan.

Our cardiac medical imaging services include:

Cardiac Imaging Explained

This video is part of our Explained series where we demystify medical imaging so you’re empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health.

The information in this video is general in nature and should not be taken as individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health you should contact your doctor. The tests shown in this video are general and may not be available at the location closest to you. Please refer to our Services page for more information.

Our cardiac medical imaging services include:

CT Calcium Score (CACS)

A CT Calcium score test is a screening test that measures the level of calcium in the walls of the blood vessels in the heart to estimate an individuals risk of cardiovascular disease.

A score is provided whereby a 0 indicates that there is no calcium present, therefore low chance of developing a heart attack, whilst a higher score with calcium present, means higher risk of heart disease.

Your doctor may refer you for a CTCS if you are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease as you may be between the ages of 40-70 with a family history of cardiovascular disease however don’t have any signs or symptoms.

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CT Coronary Arteries (CTCA)

CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) uses state of the art CT technology that is able to image a beating heart. This non-invasive examination makes visualisation of the coronary vessels possible and provides very useful diagnostic information for patients who are considered at high risk for coronary artery disease. Risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) include smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and a family history of CAD.

CTCA is a low risk, low radiation dose, non-invasive examination of the coronary arteries. It can accurately detect and grade stenoses or narrowing within the coronary arteries, as well as being able to demonstrate developmental anomalies of the coronary vessels.

At Apex Radiology we routinely use CACS, at no additional charge, on each patient prior to CT coronary angiography to determine whether the coronary arteries are heavily calcified. If the calcium score is high, calcium may obscure the coronary arteries. The radiologist will review your CACS before staring CT coronary angiography.

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Myocardial Perfusion

Myocardial perfusion imaging is a scan used to show how well blood is flowing through the heart, to determine if and where there may be any blockages to blood supply. Narrowed or blocked coronary arteries may lead to conditions like myocardial ischemia or even a heart attack. Nuclear cardiology imaging uses a small amount of radioactive material, known as radiotracer or radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose and assess various heart conditions.

What is a radiotracer?

Radioactive tracers are made up of carrier molecules that are bonded tightly to a radioactive atom. These carrier molecules vary greatly depending on the purpose of the scan. Some tracers employ molecules that interact with a specific protein or sugar in the body and can even employ the patient’s own cells. These tracers give off particles that can be detected and turned into a picture to help find problems in organs or other structures.

How is a radiotracer administered?

A radiotracer is injected into the patient’s bloodstream usually given through an intravenous (IV) line placed in a vein. This radiotracer is usually a compound that is quickly taken up by the heart muscle in proportion to blood flow.

Is the use of a radiotracer safe?

Some people might be alarmed when they hear the word ‘radioactive,’ but the tracers used aren’t medicines and don’t have side effects. In addition, the level of radiation in this kind of test tends to be very low. There is a very small chance that you might be allergic to the tracer.

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