Why Cardiac Imaging Matters

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. But many of the conditions that lead to heart attacks and strokes, arterial plaque buildup, structural abnormalities, and reduced blood flow, develop silently over years or decades with no outward symptoms.

Cardiac imaging gives your physician a precise, non-invasive view of your heart's anatomy and function, before a crisis occurs.

Types of Cardiac Imaging

• Cardiac CT (Computed Tomography): Used to evaluate coronary arteries for blockages or calcification. The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score is a fast, low-radiation scan that predicts your 10-year risk of a cardiac event — often before any symptoms appear.
• CT Angiography (CTA): A minimally invasive way to visualize blood vessels and identify blockages in coronary arteries without traditional catheterization.

What a Cardiac Scan Can Reveal

Depending on the type of imaging ordered, your scan may identify:

• Coronary artery disease, including arterial blockages, stenosis, and calcification
• Calcium deposits in artery walls (your CAC score)
• Blood vessel abnormalities detectable by CTA
• Incidental findings (breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.)

Is Cardiac Imaging Right for You?

Talk to your cardiologist or primary care physician if you have risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or a history of smoking. A simple CAC scoring scan takes less than 10 minutes and requires no contrast dye or special preparation.

Advanced Radiology's board-certified radiologists provide expert interpretation of CT studies, with results delivered promptly to your referring physician.