Our services
Cardiac Imaging
At Central Queensland Radiology we provide a range of cardiac services to support you in assessing the health of your heart.
What is Cardiac Imaging?
Cardiac imaging tests are used to screen for heart disease. They can determine what is causing your symptoms, monitor your heart and find out if your treatment is working.
Cardiac (heart) imaging procedures include CT Coronary Angiography and Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring. Our specialist radiologists supervise or perform these diagnostic procedures in our clinics across the Sunshine Coast.
An echocardiogram, or an ‘echo’ is a common procedure undertaking for cardiac imaging. It uses ultrasound (sound waves) to produce an image of your heart. No radiation is involved. Your heart muscle, valves, large blood vessels and blood flow can be assessed in great detail. Echocardiography provides your doctor with information about the blood pressure within the chambers of the heart and lungs. Echocardiography is not dangerous and does not involve radiation or X-rays. You should not feel pain or discomfort.
The scan is usually done on the lower back and one of the hips although sometimes the forearm is included in the examination.
Types of Cardiac Imaging
Cardiac imaging uses medical imaging technology to search for abnormalities. At Central Queensland Radiology we undertake a range of cardiac imaging including CT Cardiac Imaging, Echocardiography and Nuclear Medicine Cardiology.
Calcium scoring is a method used to visualise and measure the amount of calcified plaque present in the coronary arteries. It is typically performed using a non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan, similar to a CTCA. The calcium score obtained from this scan provides valuable information about an individual’s risk for developing coronary artery disease.
During the calcium scoring procedure, the CT scanner takes multiple images of the heart. These images are then analysed to identify and quantify the amount of calcified plaque present in the coronary arteries. The calcified plaque is a result of the build-up of cholesterol and other substances in the artery walls, which can lead to the narrowing and blockage of the arteries.
CTCA is a non-invasive examination of the coronary arteries which carries a low risk and minimal radiation exposure. This form of medical imaging is designed to evaluate the coronary arteries that carry blood to and from the heart.
It can accurately detect and grade stenoses or narrowing within the coronary arteries, while showing high-quality images of the developmental anomalies of the coronary vessels. Accurate assessment of stenoses is a crucial step in determining the severity of coronary artery disease, and guiding patient care and treatment decisions. Additionally, it also plays a vital role in assessing the need for further interventions including stenting or bypass surgery.
The low radiation dose and minimally invasive nature of CTCA sets it apart from other treatment options, including traditional coronary angiography.
A Transthoracic Echocardiogram, also called an echo, is a complex, non-invasive examination that uses ultrasound to image the heart. This examination provides detailed live images of the heart’s muscle pump and the valves and gives a highly accurate assessment of the overall health of your heart.
Echocardiograms use sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow. It allows the cardiac radiologist to assess the overall function of the heart, detect abnormalities in the heart valves, and evaluate the efficiency of blood circulation.
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A Myocardial Perfusion scan (MPS) can provide essential diagnostic and prognostic information. Myocardial Perfusion Scans have a higher sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 75%, than Exercise Stress Tests (67% and 70% respectively). An MPS can be useful if a patient presents with atypical chest pain, suspected stable angina, or for assessing blood flow after myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, angioplasty or stents. MPS can also be used for assessing fitness for work or surgery. A negative study has an excellent negative predictive value for significant coronary events and is of most value in the intermediate risk patient. MPS scans provide a physiological assessment of perfusion whereas Coronary Angiography or CTCA provides anatomical and nonquantitative coronary artery assessment.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
You will need a referral from your doctor to make an appointment.
Upon receiving your referral, our Bookings Team will be able to help assist you in finding a time that works for you to have your test done.
On the day
All you need to do is arrive at the clinic at the time of your appointment.
Depending on the body part being examined, you may be required to wear a gown provided to you. We will request all jewellery and body piercings to be removed as they may impact the field of view.
Depending on the type of cardiac imaging you are having done the length of your scan will vary. Our Booking Team can let you know how long your scan will take when you book your appointment.
After your appointment
After your scan you can go about your day as normal.
Your images will be looked over by our Radiologists and a secure report and copy of the images will be provided to your referring practitioner. We will also provide you with a printed copy to take with you to your next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no preparation needed for this test.
There are different risks associated with various cardiac imaging examinations. These risks will be explained to you by the Cardiologist before your examination begins.
Depending on the body part being examined, you may be required to wear a provided gown. We also request removal of jewellery and body piercing items which may be in the field of view. This makes interpretation of the images more accurate. Our friendly radiography team will clearly explain what you have to do during the appointment and will guide you through the process.
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings will you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
Depending on the type of cardiac imaging you are having done the length of your scan will vary. Our Booking Team can let you know how long your scan will take when you book your appointment.
Your images and report are provided through a secure online system to your doctor or healthcare provider. We will also provide you with a printed copy to bring to your next appointment.
Our friendly reception staff will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.