Trusted Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Las Vegas, NV, at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

Advanced cardiac imaging shows how your heart is functioning in real time. It combines two tests: cardiac CT (computed tomography) and cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Call (702) 616-4900 or find an expert cardiologist at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals who diagnoses heart conditions using advanced cardiac imaging in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.

 

Diagnosing Using Cardiac CT

If you have signs of heart disease, your doctor will likely recommend an EKG/ECG (electrocardiogram) and blood work as a first step toward diagnosis. Depending on the results, you may need to have advanced cardiac imaging CT. This test provides multiple images of your heart at different angles to show:

  • How your heart pumps
  • Your heart’s structure
  • Damage, including scarring
  • Heart defects and other problems
  • Fluid in the sac surrounding the heart

Imaging results help diagnose cardiology conditions including:

 

What Happens During Advanced Cardiac Imaging?

CT scanners are typically big machines with a large opening in the middle. You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the machine. The radiology team may give you a sedative if you think you will be anxious during the test or have a history of claustrophobia.

CT

A CT scan usually lasts less than 30 minutes. It is a lot like an MRI. However, a CT scan uses low levels of ionizing radiation to obtain images. These levels are slightly higher than an X-ray. Pregnant women may need an alternate test.

Contrast Dye or Medium

Your cardiologist can track how blood flows through your heart and blood vessels by using a contrast dye, or contrast medium, during your CT. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems or have ever had a reaction to dye or contrast. You may be told to avoid procedures using iodine-based dyes.

It’s not unusual to have an overall warm flushing, a slight metallic taste in your mouth, or a slight burning sensation at the injection site as the dye enters your body. These sensations usually last only a few seconds.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals offers advanced cardiac imaging in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.