Diagnostic Imaging & Non-invasive Cardiology

Diagnostic Imaging and Non-Invasive Cardiology

Advanced imaging technologies have dramatically improved the early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Patients who are at increased risk for heart disease either because of genetics or lifestyle choices are especially well-served by the enhanced capabilities offered by the technology available today.

UC San Diego Health System's cardiac imaging and non-invasive cardiology team uses the most sophisticated equipment on the market:

Computed tomography (CT): Our imaging department features three high-definition, 64-slice CT scanners, which expose patients to less radiation than with standard equipment.
Magnetic resonance imaging: Cardiac MRI clearly captures a beating heart and is used to evaluate the heart’s anatomy and function. With our four state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, our patients benefit from superior technology as well as the comfort of a spacious MRI design.

Both CT and MR techniques can be used as an alternative to invasive angiography, a procedure that uses cardiac catheterization.

Along with other tools such as nuclear imaging, Doppler ultrasound and PET-CT scans, these non-invasive techniques provide fast, accurate visualization and analysis of the heart and surrounding structures as a way to measure their function.

A Collaborative Approach to Diagnosis

At UC San Diego Health System, all imaging results are evaluated by both cardiology and radiology specialists, a collaborative approach that ensures highly accurate results.