Our services
Cardiac Imaging
At Central Queensland Radiology we provide a range of heart (cardiac) imaging services to support you in assessing the health of your heart. These include CT coronary angiography and coronary artery calcium scoring, echocardiograms with ultrasound and MRI, and myocardial perfusion scans with Nuclear Medicine.
What is Cardiac Imaging?
Cardiac imaging scans are used to create detailed images of your heart and blood vessels to screen for heart disease, diagnose heart conditions, monitor changes in disease progression and evaluate how well heart treatment is working. Cardiac imaging may be performed with:
- Echocardiograms which use ultrasound (high frequency sound waves) to create moving images of the heart and heart valves.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans that use x-rays to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and coronary arteries to show whether there is a build up of plaque, signs of tumours or other abnormalities.
- Nuclear Imaging scans which show blood flow and heart muscle function and are often performed during rest and stress.
Our specialist radiologists supervise or perform these diagnostic procedures in our clinics across Central Queensland.
Types of Cardiac Imaging
At Central Queensland Radiology we’ve invested in stare-of-the-art technology to offer you a range of cardiac imaging including CT Cardiac Imaging and Calcium Scoring, 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.
An echocardiogram, or an ‘echo’ ultrasound, uses sound waves to produce moving images of your heart’s structure and function. No x-rays or radiation is used. Your heart muscle, valves, large blood vessels and blood flow can be assessed in detail.
Echocardiography also provides your doctor with information about the blood pressure within the chambers of the heart and lungs.
A technician will place small metal sticky pads on your chest and connect them to ECG (Electrocardiogram) leads that will monitor your heartbeat and your heart’s electrical signals during the exam.
To image the heart, the technician will press the transducer down firmly as they move this across your chest. They will ask you to briefly hold your breath during the test. For most of the procedure, you will be required to lie still. An echocardiogram may take up to 45 minutes to perform.
Myocardial Perfusion Scans (MPS) is a type of nuclear cardiology test that evaluates blood low through the heart muscle and shows changes, like blockages, in the arteries of the heart. Your doctor may refer you for an MPS if you have atypical chest pain, suspected stable angina, or for assessing blood flow after a heart attack, bypass surgery, or if you have had a stent.
MPS can also be used for assessing fitness for work or surgery. A study with a negative result is a reliable indicator that you’re unlikely to experience significant heart problems and this is of most value in patients with an intermediate risk.
An MPS shows how well your blood is flowing to your heart muscle, while a Coronary Angiogram shows the structure of the arteries in your heart.
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 help you find a time that works for you to have your tests done.
Usually, the Bookings Team will tell you what’s needed for an echocardiogram or calcium score procedure. For CTCA you will usually receive and email with preparation instructions, and for Nuclear Medicine Cardiology, the Nuclear Medicine Technician will contact your regarding your procedure preparation.
On the day
Follow the instructions that were provided by the Bookings Team, on email or by the technician.
The radiographer, sonographer or nuclear medicine technician will guide you through the steps of your procedure.
After your appointment
After your scan you can go about your day as normal.
Your images will be analysed by our Radiologists. A report and copy of the images are provided to your doctor provider via a secure online system.
After 7 days you will also be able to view your images in our IQ Vue patient App.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the instructions that were provided by the Bookings Team, or by email, or from the nuclear medicine technician.
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 with 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 Bookings Team can let you know how long your scan will take when you book your appointment.
Your images will be analysed by our expert Cardiologists and Radiologists. A report and copy of the images are provided to your doctor or healthcare provider via a secure online system.
After 7 days you will also be able to view your images in our IQ Vue patient App.
Our friendly Bookings Team will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.