Advanced heart imaging

Our cutting-edge facility at UTHealth Houston harnesses precise imaging techniques and the latest technology to comprehensively assess the health of your heart. Among the most common tests we employ include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): This procedure entails the measurement of your heart’s electrical activity through strategically placed sensors (electrodes) on your chest, arms, and legs. The EKG serves to detect irregularities in your heart’s rhythm, whether they be fast, slow, or irregular (arrhythmia), and helps identify various other conditions.
• Portable Heart Monitor: To monitor your heart’s electrical activity during your daily activities, we may request that you wear a compact wireless monitor on your chest.
• Echocardiogram (Echo): This widely used test involves the use of ultrasound technology to create dynamic images of your heart’s structure, valves, and blood flow. It is an invaluable tool for detecting and monitoring an array of heart conditions, including structural heart disorders, impaired heart function, and issues with heart valves.
• Cardiac PET: Our facility also offers cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scans at our world-renowned Weatherhead PET Center, which provide exceptional insights into heart health by measuring blood flow and identifying areas with poor blood circulation.
• Stress Echo: By performing echo tests both before and after physical exertion, we can identify changes in your heart’s performance when subjected to increased workload.
• Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (Nuclear Stress Test): This test, which measures blood flow to your heart at rest and after physical activity, involves the injection of a radioactive dye to enhance our ability to assess blood flow patterns.
• Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA): We employ a contrast dye in conjunction with X-ray images to detect signs of vessel narrowing or blockages, helping guide treatment decisions.
• Cardiac MRI: Utilizing a powerful magnet and radio waves, this imaging modality provides detailed insights into your heart tissue, enabling the detection of abnormalities, including inflammation such as myocarditis.
• Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT Scan): By using X-ray technology to generate detailed three-dimensional images of your heart, this test assists in the evaluation of heart disease at all stages.

Advanced treatment options

Your dedicated care team at UTHealth Houston may suggest various treatments to enhance your heart’s performance, allowing you to feel better and lead a more active life.

Medication: We frequently address heart conditions with the use of medications. Your physician will engage in a detailed discussion with you to determine the most suitable options for your unique needs. Medications can help in:

• Regulating your blood pressure
• Enhancing your heart’s function
• Managing excess fluid
• Stabilizing your heart rhythm
• Controlling cholesterol levels
• Thinning your blood

Lifestyle adjustments: The preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation teams at UTHealth Houston are here to support you in enhancing your heart health and averting heart-related issues. They provide services such as:

• Tailored exercise programs
• Weight management guidance
• Support to quit smoking
• Stress reduction programs
• Effective diabetes management
• Nutrition services

Heart procedure management and referrals: Our renowned heart specialists are equipped to manage cases postoperatively and provide comprehensive care for patients undergoing heart procedures. Our team collaborates closely with specialized surgical teams to ensure seamless transitions and optimal outcomes for our patients. When necessary, we facilitate referrals to trusted cardiac specialists for procedures such as:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Ablation procedures for arrhythmias
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
• Transcatheter interventions for structural heart disease

Our program emphasizes continuity of care, patient education, and ongoing support throughout the treatment journey.