Cardiac Imaging

At Houston Methodist, our experts use the most advanced cardiac imaging technology to diagnose and treat heart and vascular disorders, including those that are complex and life-threatening.

Cardiac imaging gives your doctor information about your heart and blood vessels. It can be used to diagnose a range of heart and vascular conditions, including aneurysm, atherosclerosis, chronic venous insufficiency, coronary artery disease, heart failure and peripheral vascular disease. 

Expertise in Cardiac Imaging

Houston Methodist is one of few hospitals in the country with cardiovascular physicians who specialize in cardiac imaging. This means that the doctor reading your scans is the same doctor who develops your treatment plan.

In addition, we are often the first in the state — and even the country — to get access to the latest, most advanced imaging equipment.

Our physicians combine their extensive expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide detailed diagnoses and customize effective treatment plans for each patient.

Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging Services

Noninvasive diagnostic tests provide physicians a view of a patient’s heart function and vascular system in a noninvasive manner with few side effects.

• Heart screening, via a heart scan (also called calcium scoring) or vascular screening, assesses your risks of developing heart disease and helps a physician anticipate future cardiac events.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed, real-time images of the heart and vascular system without using radiation.
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan uses the latest multidetector CT to provide fast and accurate images of your heart and vascular system.
• Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to evaluate how the blood moves through the heart chambers and valves in your heart.
• Nuclear cardiology uses small amounts radiation to allow for advanced imaging of the structure and vessels of the heart.
• Vascular ultrasound enables physicians to see the smallest details of blood flow and vascular system function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitoring evaluate heart function to determine whether your heartbeat is regular or irregular.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses a very low dose of radiation to allow for a detailed visualization of the coronary arties, which can be used to assess the status of heart muscles and detect infections.
• Cardiac stress testing evaluates heart function by comparing the heart at rest to when it is active.

Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization allows a physician to evaluate the function of the heart and vascular system. This technique is less invasive than open surgery, but involves inserting a thin flexible tube (a catheter) through the groin or arm into the side of the heart. Cardiac catheterization can also be used to treat some types of heart conditions.