A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test. It is used to examine various body tissues to identify certain conditions by looking at blood flow, metabolism, and oxygen use. PET scans may also be used to see how well the treatment of certain diseases is working.
Fluoroscopy is a type of imaging tool. It looks at moving body structures. It’s much like an X-ray "movie."
Pulmonary angiogram is an X-ray image of the blood vessels of the lungs.
In cardiac catheterization (often called cardiac cath), a very small hollow tube, or catheter, is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin, arm, or neck through the aorta into the heart. Once it is in place, several diagnostic and treatment procedures can be done using catheterization.
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs.
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and a computer to make images or slices of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. One way to treat the blocked or narrowed arteries is to bypass the blocked portion of the coronary artery with a piece of a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body.
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic test to assess the heart muscle under stress. If exercise on a treadmill is not an option (too much stress on the heart) due to a person's medical condition, a doctor may use an intravenous medicine called dobutamine. Dobutamine causes the heart to beat faster and will mimic the effects of exercise on the heart.
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to evaluate the heart's function and structures.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out.
An electrophysiologic study uses small, thin wire electrodes placed directly on the heart to evaluate you for an abnormal heart rhythm.
An exercise echocardiogram is a procedure in which ultrasound, or sound wave technology, is used to asses the heart's response to stress or exercise.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. For this test, electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out.
A heart transplant is surgery done to remove the diseased heart from a person and replace it with a healthy one from an organ donor.
Heart valve repair or replacement surgery is a treatment option for valvular heart disease. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this surgery.
The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (ECG) used to record an ECG tracing of the heart continuously for 24 hours or longer.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small electronic device used to continuously keep track of and help regulate potentially fast and life-threatening electrical problems with the heart.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a large magnet, radio signals, and a computer to make images of organs and tissue in the body. In this case, the heart is imaged. MRI may be used instead of a CT scan when organs or soft tissues are being studied.
Myocardial perfusion is an imaging test. It's also called a nuclear stress test. It is done to show how well blood flows through the heart muscle. It also shows how well the heart muscle is pumping. For example, after a heart attack, it may be done to find areas of damaged heart muscle. This test may be done during rest and while you exercise.
Myocardial perfusion is an imaging test. It's also called a nuclear stress test. Its done to show how well blood flows through the heart muscle. It also shows how well the heart muscle is pumping.
A pacemaker is a small electronic device that helps regulate slow electrical problems in the heart. The pacemaker is usually implanted in the chest, just below the collarbone. A pacemaker may be recommended to keep the heartbeat from slowing down to a dangerously low rate.
Angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries (caused by coronary artery disease) and restore blood flow to the heart muscle without open-heart surgery.
A resting RNA is a type of nuclear medicine test. A tiny amount of radioactive tracer is used during the scan. This test helps evaluate how well the heart pumps and how much blood is pumped with each heartbeat.
A resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine test. A tiny amount of radioactive substance is used to help show the heart's chambers in motion. This test can show how well the heart pumps with each heartbeat and how much blood is pumped with each heartbeat, during exercise and at rest.
Right heart catheterization allows a surgeon to use a small, thin hollow tube called a catheter to examine your heart.
In a right-heart catheterization with heart tissue biopsy, tissue samples are taken directly from your heart muscle. Read on to learn details about this procedure.
Robotic cardiac surgery is a less invasive form of heart surgery. It's done using very small incisions in the chest, tiny tools, and a robotic device operated by a surgeon. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.
A tilt table test is a test done to evaluate symptoms of syncope (fainting) by creating changes in posture and see how your heart and blood pressure respond.
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) uses echocardiography to evaluate how well the heart works. Read on to learn details about this procedure.
An ultrafast CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to look at your heart. The scan takes pictures very quickly. It gives your healthcare provider many details about your heart that other imaging tests cannot.
Valvuloplasty is a procedure done to repair a stiff heart valve. It's done using a catheter and small incisions.
This procedure guides a tube into your heart to destroy small areas of heart tissue that may be causing your abnormal heartbeat.