Cardiac imaging is a big part of maintaining heart health for high-risk individuals. It’s particularly helpful in diagnosing and treating heart disease, which affects men and women differently. Explore the main types of cardiac imaging and their role in modern cardiovascular care.
Cardiac imaging includes various technologies that capture images of the heart and blood vessels to help doctors understand what’s happening inside. With a visual of the heart’s structure, blood flow, and function, doctors can more accurately diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment for heart disease. Here are the main types of cardiac imaging:
Women experience cardiovascular disease differently than men, and cardiac imaging is essential for detecting these unique patterns. Many women with heart disease don’t experience the classic “chest pain” symptom that men often do. Instead, they may feel fatigue, shortness of breath, or nausea. Imaging allows doctors to pinpoint when heart disease is the reason for these subtler symptoms, enabling a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Cardiomyopathies are diseases that weaken the heart muscle and affect its ability to pump blood. Cardiac MRI is especially useful for diagnosing these conditions because the detailed images make it possible to detect abnormalities.
Cardiologists can distinguish between different types of cardiomyopathies based on MRI images, including hypertrophic (thickened heart muscle), dilated (enlarged chambers), and restrictive (stiffened heart walls). Once they understand the exact type and severity of cardiomyopathy, doctors can recommend personalized treatment plans involving lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions.
Beyond diagnosis, cardiac imaging can guide heart disease treatment. It allows doctors to assess heart function and monitor disease progression so patients get the right care at the right time. For instance, if lifestyle changes don’t lead to improvements, as demonstrated by cardiac imaging, the doctor may recommend procedures like angioplasty, stents, or bypass surgery. Imaging also reveals risks before they become serious, allowing doctors to adjust treatments and prevent further heart damage.
Now that you understand the role of cardiac imaging in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease, turn to BKLYN Cardio for the routine heart monitoring you need. We’ve been at the forefront of cardiovascular health for over 40 years, combining cardiac imaging, lifestyle adjustments, and minimally invasive procedures to reduce dependency on medication and surgery. Schedule an appointment with our cardiologist in Brooklyn, NY, to work with a team that truly has your best interest at heart.
