(02) 6382 1544This information is adapted from information received from I-MED Radiology
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in Australia and almost one in three men and four in ten women experience no chest pain at all (Health Direct). Cardiologists traditionally use taking a history, clinical examination, Lipid Studies , ECG’s, Exercise Stress Tests to assess your Cardiac health. If very suspicious of a major coronary risk , they would admit people to hospital for an Arterial Coronary Angiogram. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/coronary-angiogram
Basic Cardiac imaging services.
Chest x-ray
Chest x-ray is a useful, and widely available, initial study to assess suspected cardiac failure, identify heart size and contour. Is available locally
Echocardiography (Echo)
there is a visiting Service to Young but usually organised by your Cardiologist
Echocardiography is often the first-line cardiac imaging investigation for many cardiac conditions and a key component of the routine evaluation of the patient with suspected or known cardiac disease. Learn more Echocardiography (Echo) – Our cardiac services | I-MED Radiology Network
“Newer” Cardiac imaging services.
CT Coronary angiography (CTCA)
– can be referred by GP but mostly referred if required as part of Cardiologists assessment process – no medicare refund
CTCA can identify the site and severity of coronary lesions and is commonly used to assess symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Learn more here. CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) | I-MED Radiology Network
Coronary artery calcium scoring
A calcium score provides a quantitative assessment of calcified atheroma burden, helping to risk stratify asymptomatic patients. This can help guide statin therapy and allow provision of advice regarding coronary risk modification. Learn more here. Coronary artery calcium scoring | I-MED Radiology Network
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI is increasingly being used for non-invasive assessment of the function and structure of the cardiovascular system. It provides specific advantages over other cardiac imaging modalities when evaluating pathology in congenital heart disease, cardiac masses, cardiomyopathies, and in some aspects of ischaemic and valvular heart diseases. Learn more here. Cardiac MRI at I-MED Radiology | I-MED Radiology Network
Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI)
Can determine if the arteries supplying the heart muscle are patent, partially or completely blocked, informing decision on whether the patient requires further evaluation with coronary angiography or can be treated medically. It can also help decide if the patient needs a stent or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Learn more here. Myocardial perfusion imaging | I-MED Radiology Network