Cardiac CT & MRI
Advanced Cardiac Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis and Risk Assessment
Cardiac CT and Cardiac MRI are advanced, non-invasive imaging techniques that provide detailed information about the heart's structure, function, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues.
These investigations can help diagnose coronary artery disease, assess heart muscle conditions, evaluate congenital heart abnormalities, and assist with cardiovascular risk assessment.
At HeartWise Cardiology, we provide specialist consultation and coordination of advanced cardiac imaging to ensure the most appropriate investigation is selected for each patient.
What Is Cardiac CT?
Cardiac CT uses advanced CT imaging technology to create highly detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries.
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
A calcium score measures calcified plaque within the coronary arteries and may assist in cardiovascular risk assessment.
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
CT coronary angiography allows non-invasive visualisation of the coronary arteries and can identify:
- Coronary artery plaque
- Coronary artery narrowing
- Congenital coronary abnormalities
- Early coronary artery disease
What Is Cardiac MRI?
Cardiac MRI provides highly detailed images of the heart without ionising radiation. It is often considered the reference standard for assessing cardiac structure and function in selected conditions.
It offers unique information regarding:
- Heart muscle structure
- Heart function
- Cardiac tissue characterisation
- Myocardial inflammation
- Myocardial scarring
- Cardiomyopathies
When Might Cardiac CT Be Recommended?
- Chest pain
- Suspected coronary artery disease
- Intermediate cardiovascular risk
- Strong family history of heart disease
- Elevated cholesterol
- Abnormal stress test findings
- Need for coronary calcium scoring
- Assessment following inconclusive cardiac investigations
When Might Cardiac MRI Be Recommended?
- Cardiomyopathy
- Myocarditis
- Heart failure
- Unexplained reduction in heart function
- Cardiac sarcoidosis
- Congenital heart disease
- Infiltrative heart disease
- Previous myocardial infarction
- Abnormal echocardiogram findings requiring further evaluation
Coronary Calcium Scoring
Detecting Silent Coronary Artery Disease
A coronary artery calcium score can help identify the presence of coronary atherosclerosis before symptoms occur. Results can assist in refining cardiovascular risk assessment and guiding preventive treatment decisions.
This test may be useful in selected patients with:
- Family history of premature heart disease
- Elevated cholesterol
- Intermediate cardiovascular risk
- Uncertainty regarding cholesterol-lowering therapy
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
CTCA is a highly sensitive test used to evaluate the coronary arteries. It can help determine whether symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness may be related to coronary artery disease.
In many patients, CTCA provides a non-invasive alternative to invasive coronary angiography.
Why Choose HeartWise Cardiology?
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Cardiac Imaging
A referral from your GP or specialist is required. Contact us to arrange your appointment.