Non Invasive Coronary Specialist

What are noninvasive coronary procedures?

Noninvasive coronary procedures such as cardiac CT imaging and noninvasive coronary angiograms can be potentially life-saving for patients who are at risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Apex Cardiology Consultants uses cardiac CT scans to evaluate patients for problems such as:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Aortic problems
• Calcium build-up in the coronary arteries
• Heart function problems
• Pericardial disease
• Pulmonary vein problems
• Arterial graft results

Noninvasive coronary procedures help Apex Cardiology Consultants diagnose cardiovascular disease relatively quickly and painlessly during convenient outpatient appointments.

What kind of interventional coronary procedure is cardiac CT imaging?

Cardiac CT (computed tomography) imaging can be invaluable for identifying heart problems and preventing complications. Apex Cardiology Consultants uses the latest technology, and the providers have considerable experience in performing cardiac CT imaging to assess patients at risk of CAD.

Cardiac CT uses X-ray technology that takes multiple photos of your heart. It then creates detailed images that your provider uses to check for a wide variety of heart problems. The scan itself involves lying inside the cardiac CT machine while it moves around your body, taking high-resolution X-ray photos.

When the scan finishes, computer software combines the pictures to produce a three-dimensional image of your heart. Sometimes, your provider uses an iodine-based dye (contrast dye) that they inject into your vein after the CT scan starts. That is called CT angiography.

What are the other types of noninvasive coronary procedures available?

Apex Cardiology Consultants uses a variety of cardiac scans for different purposes. These scans include:

Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT)

MDCT is a rapid CT scan that can produce detailed illustrations of your heart and is ideal for detecting calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. It's also a reliable way of finding plaque build-up and lesions in the arteries due to atherosclerosis.

Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT)

EBCT is another common cardiac CT scan that can also be useful in locating calcium in and around your coronary arteries.

Cardiac MRI

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the heart uses magnetic technology rather than X-rays to produce recreations of your heart and blood vessels. It's another valuable method of assessing atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries.

What are the benefits of noninvasive coronary procedures?

Cardiac CT and other noninvasive coronary techniques have several advantages when compared to traditional coronary angiogram procedures. 

These benefits include having a detailed depiction of coronary plaque build-up and gathering structural and functional information regarding the left ventricle and heart valves. Noninvasive coronary procedures also limit your risk of potential injuries that could result from more invasive alternatives.

If you're at risk of cardiovascular disease, noninvasive coronary procedures provide valuable information that aids with the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems. Find out more by calling Apex Cardiology Consultants today or booking an appointment online.