(Also known as Tomography. This section includes CT, CAT scan, EBCT, PET, DCA, DSA, Multidetector CT or MDCT, MRI and SPECT)
What the Test Does Computer imaging (tomography) refers to several non-invasive diagnostic-imaging tests that use computer-aided techniques to gather images of the heart. A computer creates three-dimensional (3-D) images that can show blockages caused by calcium deposits you may have in your coronary arteries.
Reason for Test
Evaluates aortic disease (such as aortic dissection), cardiac masses and pericardial disease.
(Also known as Treadmill Test, Exercise Test, Exercise Cardiac Stress Test and ECST)
What the Test Does A monitor with electrodes that are attached to the skin on the chest area to record your heart function while you walk in place on a treadmill. Many aspects of your heart function can be checked including heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, ECG (EKG) and how tired you become when exercising.
(Also known as Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI), Multigated Acquisition (MUGA) Scan, Radionuclide Stress Test and Nuclear Stress Test)
What the Test Does Similar to a routine exercise stress test but with images. Uses radioactive substance called thallium injected into the bloodstream when patient is at maximum level of exercise to take pictures with a special (gamma) camera of the heart's muscle cells.
Reason for Test
Helps measure blood flow of your heart muscle at rest and during stress.
Helps determine extent of a coronary artery blockage.
Helps determine extent of damage from heart attack.