Heart & Vascular

Cardiovascular Imaging

Access highly advanced imaging equipment for testing and procedures to diagnose your heart condition and guide your treatment plan.

Call 513-585-2668 to Schedule

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Accredited, State-of-the-Art Imaging Technology

We offer sophisticated cardiovascular technology to ensure the highest possible imaging quality. We were the first hospital in Greater Cincinnati to receive accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR) for advanced imaging with CT, MRI and nuclear medicine. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. In addition, our echo and vascular labs are accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

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Overview

If your doctor needs to understand your heart condition better, images of your cardiovascular system can help. These precise imaging tests allow cardiologists to diagnose even the most complex heart conditions. Then, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your condition.

We offer the most advanced cardiac imaging procedures at multiple locations throughout our region. Our skilled cardiac imaging team provides high-quality cardiac imaging care.

A Team of Trained Professionals

Our highly trained team includes cardiologists, nurses, heart and vascular sonographers (ultrasound techs), cardiac technicians, nuclear medicine technicians, and CT and MRI techs. We work together to make sure your procedure is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Our nationally recognized, board-certified cardiologists will interpret your images and share the results with your referring physician to guide your treatment.

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Types of Cardiovascular Imaging Tests & Procedures

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA)

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Cardiac MRI)

Cardioversion

Computed Tomography (CT) Calcium Test

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of your heart as it beats and pumps blood. Also called heart ultrasounds, echocardiograms check for abnormalities in your heart.

Cardiologists order this test to better understand the cause of chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, murmurs and congestive heart failure. You will lie on an exam table with electrode stickers on your chest while we monitor your heart for rate, rhythm and electrical activity.

We offer several types of echocardiograms.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) and Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the most common type of echo test. During a TTE, the ultrasound tech moves a transducer around on your chest. The transducer is a hand-held device that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart.

During a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), a physician guides a long, thin probe down your esophagus, which connects your throat to your stomach. At the end of the probe is a transducer. The physician positions the transducer very close to your heart, which is why TEE images tend to be even clearer than TTE images.

Before the test begins, we’ll give you medicines to numb your throat and help you relax. The procedure isn’t painful, and you might not remember it afterward. A friend or loved one must be in the waiting room during your procedure and drive you home after.

Learn more about TTE and TEE.

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

An exercise stress echocardiogram helps your cardiologist see how your heart responds to exercise. A sonographer takes ultrasound images of the heart through your chest wall before and right after you ride a bike or walk on a treadmill.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) helps doctors see how your heart responds to simulated exercise. We’ll give you medication called dobutamine through an IV to safely increase your heart rate as if you are exercising. The sonographer captures images of the heart by moving a transducer around the chest.

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

Cardiac Stress Test (GXT)

Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test measures blood flow in your body while you rest and exercise. The technician places electrode stickers on your chest, and you wear a blood pressure cuff on your arm to monitor your heart activity. You’ll get a small amount of radioactive material (called a tracer) through an IV. 

Advanced equipment creates images of blood flow to your heart, showing areas with poor blood flow or damage. The tracer shows up on the images, indicating areas of your heart not getting enough blood flow. The tracer naturally leaves your body in your urine or stool.

This test takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete.

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