Cardiac Ultrasound and MRI
Heart attacks and strokes account for more deaths than all cancers combined. More than half the people who die of heart disease never knew they were at risk because they had no symptoms.
Fortunately, new advances in screening technologies are letting physicians detect and treat heart disease at an earlier stage. Here’s a closer look at two imaging technologies that are saving lives.
Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This technology produces amazingly detailed images of the heart in action. It’s a safe, non-invasive procedure that requires no radiation. Physicians use cardiac MRI to detect coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects and the damage caused by a heart attack. It’s also used to diagnose the cause of a stroke. In some cases, a contrast agent can be injected into a vein in order to see the heart and arteries with greater clarity.
Doppler Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to measure blood flow and detect blockages and narrowing of the arteries in almost any part of the body. It can also be used to identify heart defects and congenital heart disease as well as locate blood clots that could break loose and block the flow of blood to the lungs. The procedure is non-invasive, using a handheld instrument that passes over the skin.
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