What Is Cardiac Imaging & Diagnostic Testing?
Cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing help cardiologists evaluate the structure, function, blood flow, and electrical activity of the heart and blood vessels.
Different tests answer different clinical questions. Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and cardiovascular risk, your care team may recommend imaging, diagnostic testing, vascular studies, laboratory testing, or additional cardiovascular evaluation.
At FHVI, diagnostic testing is used to help identify cardiovascular conditions, monitor known disease, and support individualized treatment planning.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and evaluate chamber size, pumping function, valve movement, and blood flow. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is performed using an ultrasound probe on the chest. In selected patients, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may provide more detailed images when additional evaluation is needed.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of the heart and may help identify rhythm abnormalities, conduction problems, or other changes that require additional cardiovascular evaluation. If longer-term rhythm monitoring is needed, your care team may recommend additional cardiac monitoring based on your symptoms.
Stress Testing
Stress testing evaluates how the heart responds to physical exercise or medication-induced stress. Depending on the clinical question, testing may include electrocardiographic monitoring or cardiac imaging. FHVI provides dedicated stress testing services for selected patients based on symptoms, cardiovascular risk, and prior test results.
Cardiac CT Imaging
Cardiac CT can provide detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries in selected patients. The type of imaging recommended depends on symptoms, cardiovascular risk, previous testing, kidney function, and the clinical question being evaluated.
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI can provide detailed images of heart muscle, structure, and tissue characteristics without ionizing radiation. It may be recommended in selected patients when additional information is needed to evaluate certain cardiovascular conditions.
PET Cardiac Imaging
PET cardiac imaging uses a small amount of radioactive tracer together with specialized imaging technology to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle and support the assessment of selected cardiovascular conditions. Your cardiologist will determine whether PET cardiac imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, previous testing, and overall cardiovascular risk.
Vascular Doppler Ultrasound
Vascular Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins. It may help identify narrowing, blockages, circulation problems, or other vascular abnormalities that require further evaluation.
In-House Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing can provide important information about cardiovascular risk factors and overall health. Depending on your care plan, testing may help evaluate cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, blood counts, or other measurements relevant to cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment.
Availability and specific testing may vary by location and clinical need.
When You May Need Cardiac Imaging or Diagnostic Testing
Cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing may be recommended when symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, or previous test results suggest that more information about your heart or circulation is needed. Testing may also be used to monitor a known cardiovascular condition or evaluate changes over time.
Consider Diagnostic Evaluation If You Have:
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- New or worsening shortness of breath
- Unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Dizziness, fainting, or recurrent palpitations
- Leg swelling or other signs of fluid retention
- An abnormal EKG, heart murmur, or other examination finding
- New cardiovascular symptoms with known heart disease
Testing May Also Be Recommended If You Have:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors
- A family history of cardiovascular disease
- A previous heart attack, coronary stent, or bypass surgery
- Known heart valve disease
- A known cardiovascular condition requiring follow-up
Emergency Warning
Call 911 immediately for severe or persistent chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, stroke-like symptoms, or other symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency.
Risks and Benefits of Cardiac Imaging & Diagnostic Testing
Cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing can provide important information about heart structure, function, circulation, and cardiovascular risk. The potential benefits and risks vary depending on the test recommended and each patient’s individual health needs. Before testing, your care team will explain what to expect, whether preparation is needed, and any risks or considerations specific to your test.
Benefits
- Earlier Identification Testing may help identify cardiovascular problems before they become more advanced.
- Clearer Diagnosis Imaging and diagnostic studies can provide information that helps explain symptoms or abnormal findings.
- Treatment Planning Results can help your cardiologist determine whether monitoring, medication, additional testing, or treatment may be appropriate.
- Disease Monitoring Repeat testing may help evaluate changes in a known cardiovascular condition over time.
- Individualized Care Test selection is based on symptoms, medical history, previous results, and clinical needs.
Risks
- Ultrasound & EKG These tests are noninvasive and generally carry minimal procedural risk.
- Stress Testing Exercise or medication-induced stress can rarely cause significant symptoms or cardiovascular complications; patients are monitored during testing.
- Nuclear Imaging Uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and may not be appropriate for every patient.
- Contrast Imaging Some imaging studies use contrast material, which can cause reactions or require additional consideration in patients with certain kidney conditions.
- TEE or Other Specialized Testing Certain tests may involve sedation or other procedure-specific risks that will be reviewed beforehand.
Need More Clarity About Your Heart Health?
Cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing can help your care team better understand your symptoms, heart function, circulation, and cardiovascular risk. FHVI can help determine which test or evaluation may be appropriate for your individual needs.
Cardiac Imaging, Testing & Diagnostic Services
Core Cardiac Imaging & Diagnostic Services
These services help evaluate heart structure, function, circulation, vascular health, and cardiovascular risk to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
PET Cardiac Imaging
Echocardiography
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Cardiovascular Diagnostic Testing
Vascular Doppler Ultrasound
In-House Laboratory Testing
Laboratory testing can provide important information about cardiovascular risk factors and overall health. Depending on the care plan, testing may help evaluate cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, blood counts, and other clinically relevant measurements.
Cardiac CT & Coronary Calcium Scoring
CT Coronary Angiography
Cardiac MRI
Related Cardiac Testing & Monitoring
Some patients may also need stress testing or longer-term rhythm monitoring. These services are part of FHVI’s broader cardiovascular diagnostic pathway and may also be available through dedicated specialty services.
Treadmill Stress Testing
Nuclear Stress Testing
Stress Echocardiography
Holter Monitoring
Event Monitoring
Implantable Loop Recorder
Experienced Providers for Cardiovascular Imaging & Diagnostic Care
Dr. Asad Qamar, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 30+ Years of Experience
- Founder & CEO
David Edmund Ruggieri, MD
Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 30+ Years Experience
- Interventional Cardiology
Jihad A. Mustapha, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 20+ Years Experience
- Vascular & Limb Salvage Expert
Syed Imran Ali, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
- Board Certified
- 20+ Years of Experience
- Peripheral Vascular Specialist
Find an FHVI Cardiac Imaging & Diagnostic Location Near You
Request Your Appointment
Complete the form below with your preferred cardiologist, location, and reason for visit. An FHVI team member will contact you to confirm availability and next steps.
Trusted Cardiovascular Care Since 1997
Serving Patients Since 1997
Decades of cardiovascular care experience have shaped a patient-first approach focused on quality, continuity, and trust.
Physician-Led Cardiovascular Care
Our physicians stay closely involved in evaluation, treatment planning, and follow-up.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Modern cardiac and vascular testing supports accurate evaluation and informed care decisions.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Care recommendations are based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, diagnostic findings, and individual needs.
Minimally Invasive Care Options
When appropriate, FHVI offers catheter-based and other minimally invasive treatment options for selected cardiovascular conditions.
Coordinated Care Across Florida
Multiple FHVI locations help patients access cardiovascular evaluation, testing, treatment, and follow-up closer to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiac imaging includes tests used to evaluate the structure, function, blood flow, and other characteristics of the heart and cardiovascular system. The specific test recommended depends on your symptoms and clinical needs.
Imaging may be recommended to investigate symptoms, evaluate an abnormal examination or test result, monitor a known condition, or help guide treatment decisions.
Cardiac imaging includes tests used to evaluate the structure, function, blood flow, and other characteristics of the heart and cardiovascular system. The specific test recommended depends on your symptoms and clinical needs.Cardiac imaging can help diagnose coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Florida Heart & Vascular Institute offers advanced cardiac imaging services, including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, stress imaging, vascular ultrasound, and other non-invasive diagnostic tests based on your medical needs.
Many cardiovascular imaging studies are noninvasive. Some tests may involve radiation, contrast material, medication-induced stress, sedation, or other considerations. Your care team will review the risks and preparation for the specific test recommended.
Preparation depends on the test. Some studies require little or no preparation, while others may require fasting, medication adjustments, or other instructions.
Preparation depends on the type of test. You may be asked to avoid eating, drinking caffeine, or taking certain medications before your appointment. Our team will provide detailed instructions in advance.
Testing time varies based on the study being performed. Your scheduling team will provide specific instructions and an estimated appointment time.
No. Most cardiac imaging tests are painless and non-invasive. Some procedures may involve a small IV injection or monitoring equipment, but discomfort is usually minimal.
Your images are reviewed by our cardiovascular specialists. Results are typically discussed during your follow-up appointment or shared as soon as they are available.
FHVI accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and many major commercial insurance plans. Coverage and authorization requirements vary by plan and test, so benefits should be verified before the appointment.
Some insurance plans require a referral, while others do not. Contact our office, and our team will help determine what is needed for your visit.
PET cardiac imaging uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and specialized imaging technology to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle and support cardiovascular diagnosis.
Vascular Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to assess blood flow through arteries and veins.
Yes. Cardiac imaging can identify early signs of heart disease, such as plaque buildup, reduced blood flow, or structural abnormalities, even before symptoms develop. Early detection allows for timely treatment and better long-term heart health.
Your cardiac imaging results are reviewed by experienced cardiologists and cardiovascular imaging specialists. They carefully analyze the images, explain the findings, and recommend the most appropriate treatment or follow-up care based on your condition.