Cardiac Imaging

Cone Health HeartCare offers a large range of cardiac services to better address cardiovascular issues for our patients. Whether patients at risk of cardiovascular disease with no symptoms are seeking a quick and simple Heart Scan Calcium Test to understand their heart health or have experienced stroke or heart attack symptoms, we quickly can identify and evaluate cardiovascular conditions with our scans and ultrasounds.

Here you’ll find information about the various cardiac scans we offer, as well as get information about which Cone Health locations offer each procedure and how to prepare for upcoming scans.

Heart Scan Calcium Test

This non-invasive CT scan is a way to check for calcium – or plaque – buildup in your coronary arteries. Calcified plaque may lead to a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, or indicate early coronary artery disease. This test will give us a glimpse into your arteries to check your calcium deposit level. It uses minimal radiation and doesn’t require an IV line. It is a comfortable and quick scan that offers peace of mind and awareness about treatment plans/lifestyle changes, if needed. From start to finish, the scan should only take about 15 minutes. Learn more here.

Cone Health offers calcium tests at several locations at a discounted rate of $99 out of pocket (as this test is not covered by most insurance plans in North Carolina).

Cardiac CT

CHMG HeartCare utilizes cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT) to detect or evaluate cardiovascular conditions clearly and efficiently. A cardiac CT is a painless test utilizing x-rays to provide detailed pictures of the heart and surrounding blood vessels.

A cardiac CT can reveal narrowed or blocked areas of a blood vessel. The test can also show whether there is a bulge (aneurysm) or a buildup of fatty material (plaque) in blood vessels.

During this procedure, patients lie on a table that passes through a doughnut-shaped opening in the scanner and are given dyes intravenously in their arm or hand to enhance blood vessels in the scan. This type of CT scan is called a coronary CT angiography, or CTA. Additionally, patients may receive medicines called beta-blockers to slow the heart rate during the tests.

Cardiac CTs can also be used for preparation and planning for cardiac procedures such as ablations and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a painless, noninvasive test that creates detailed pictures of organs and tissues. It is non-invasive and generates moving pictures of your heart and major blood vessels. Doctors are able to utilize a cardiac MRI to view a patient’s beating heart and function.

MRI uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create pictures of your organs and tissues. Unlike other imaging tests, MRI doesn't use ionizing radiation or carry any risk of causing cancer.

It's used to diagnose and assess many diseases and conditions, including:

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that takes digital images that can be saved and reviewed remotely for future reference. In some cases, dyes may be used intravenously during the MRI scan to show certain structures more clearly.

Echocardiogram


IAC Echocardiography AccreditationAn echocardiogram (also called an echo) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to create images of the different parts of your heart. This painless procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and involves gel applied to the chest and a transducer (wand-like apparatus) moving over the chest area producing images of the internal structures of the heart.

These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen. Various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves can be identified using this technology.

The different types of Echocardiograms are:

  • Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Most commonly used, views of the heart are obtained by moving the transducer to different locations on your chest or abdominal wall.
  • Stress echocardiogram. During this test, an echocardiogram is done both before and after your heart is stressed either by having you exercise or by injecting a medicine that makes your heart beat harder and faster. A stress echocardiogram is usually done to find out if you might have decreased blood flow to your heart (coronary artery disease).
  • Doppler echocardiogram. This test is used to look at how blood flows through the heart chambers, heart valves, and blood vessels. The movement of the blood reflects sound waves to a transducer. The ultrasound computer then measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through your heart and blood vessels. Doppler measurements may be displayed in black and white or in color.
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). For this test, the probe is passed down the esophagus instead of being moved over the outside of the chest wall. TEE shows clearer pictures of your heart, because the probe is located closer to the heart and because the lungs and bones of the chest wall do not block the sound waves produced by the probe. A sedative and an anesthetic applied to the throat are used to make you comfortable during this test.

Echo can be used as part of a stress test and with an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to help your doctor learn more about your heart.

Nuclear Cardiac Imaging

A Nuclear Cardiac Imaging heart scan involves a patient exercising on a treadmill or given medication to increase heart rate to measure blood flow. These scans provide images of areas with low blood flow throughout the heart. We offer cardiac SPECT and PET nuclear imaging tests.

Cardiac SPECT Scan

For a diagnostic exam, a gamma camera is used to capture images of heart structure and function. For this scan, we use a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scanner that rotates around the patient to create 3D images. 

Cardiac SPECT scans help your provider discover:

  • If you have coronary artery disease
  • If you have areas of scar tissue from a past heart attack
  • How well bypass surgery or other cardiac procedures went
  • If you are at risk of having a heart attack

Cardiac PET

A cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses a scanning machine and an injection of radioactive tracers to generate images of the heart. The tracers illuminate the heart and give healthcare providers information on its health. This is a non-invasive test that can look at the heart from all angles.

Cardiac PET scans help your provider discover:

  • If you have coronary artery disease
  • If you have areas of scar tissue from a past heart attack
  • How well bypass surgery or other cardiac procedures went
  • If you are at risk of having a heart attack
  • If you have inflammation in your heart (e.g., sarcoidosis)
  • If your heart muscle is still active (e.g., viability)

Vascular Imaging

Vascular imaging, a noninvasive procedure, produces sound waves to listen to and evaluate the blood flow, blood pressure, circulation oxygen levels in the blood in a patient’s veins and arteries.

Patient Test Prep Instructions

For a smooth cardiac imaging experience, please download and review your specific preparation instructions before your scheduled appointment. Following these steps will help ensure accurate results and a streamlined visit.

Cardiac CT Instructions  
Cardiac MRI Instructions
Cardiac PET Instructions

Our Locations

$99 Calcium Score CT Cardiac CT Cardiac MRI Cardiac PET
Alamance Regional Medical Center
Alamance Regional Outpatient Imaging Center
Annie Penn Hospital
MedCenter Greensboro
MedCenter Mebane
MedCenter Kernersville
MedCenter High Point
Moses Cone Hospital
Wesley Long Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my screening take?

For a cardiac CT scan, plan to be here for about 30 minutes.

For a cardiac MRI, plan to be here for about an hour and a half.

For a cardiac PET scan, plan to be here for about an hour.

Will I need an IV?

Yes. We will obtain IV access in your arm to give you imaging agents and medications for your test.

Do I need a driver to take me home after my scan?

No, you won’t need someone to drive you home (unless you have made a plan with us to take sedatives for claustrophobia before your scan).

How long after my scan will I get my results?

Expect results in your MyChart in about 48 hours after your exam.

How much will this testing cost?

The cost varies based on different insurance coverage plans. Please contact our billing office at (336) 832-8014 or visit this website for more information about what costs to expect based on your insurance status.

I’m allergic to shellfish. Does this mean I cannot receive contrast media?

You can still receive contrast media if you are allergic to shellfish. Please let us know if you have ever received Omnipaque or Gadavist previously and experienced an allergic reaction.

Do I need to fast before my scan?

If you’re getting a cardiac CT scan, please fast one (1) hour prior to your exam.

If you’re getting a cardiac MRI, there is no fasting required.

If you’re getting a cardiac PET scan, please fast three (3) hours prior to your exam.

If I was given a pill for my scan, when should I take it?

Cardiac CT patients may be prescribed a one-time dose pill to aid in lowering their heart rate for the exam. If this applies to you, please take this dose two (2) hours prior to your scheduled appointment.

What medications should I NOT take prior to my exam?

For a cardiac CT scan: Do not take any medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, including sildenafil, tadalafil, Viagra and Cialis, for three (3) days prior to your test. Also hold on taking any diuretics, including furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone, on the day of the test.

For a cardiac MRI: Do not take any diuretics, including furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone, the day of the test.

For a cardiac PET scan: Do not take any medications that may interfere with the cardiac pharmacological stress agent (e.g., nitrates, including erectile dysfunction medications, isosorbide mononitrate, tamsulosin or beta-blockers) the day of the exam. (Erectile dysfunction medication should be held for at least 72 hours prior to your test.) Do not take medications that contain theophylline 12 hours before your test, and do not take medications that contain dipyridamole 48 hours prior to the test.

What do I do if I am wearing a heart monitor?

If you are wearing a heart monitor the day of your scheduled test, we may ask you to remove it or reschedule the appointment. These devices can cause poor image quality and/or are not compatible within the machine.

What do I do if I am wearing a glucose monitor?

For a cardiac CT scan: If you are wearing a glucose monitor such as a Freestyle Libre or Dexcom G7 monitor, these are allowed inside the machine. However, the exposure to radiation can damage the device, making it less effective in monitoring glucose levels.

For a cardiac MRI: If you are wearing a glucose monitor such as a Freestyle Libre or Dexcom G7 monitor, these devices will need to be removed as they are NOT compatible within the MRI machine.

For a cardiac PET scan: If you are wearing a glucose monitor such as a Freestyle Libre or Dexcom G7 monitor, these are allowed inside the machine. However, the exposure to radiation can damage the device, making it less effective in monitoring glucose levels.

What if I have an implanted device?

For a cardiac CT scan, an implanted device is acceptable.

For a cardiac MRI, a Cardiac Imaging Nurse Navigator will investigate whether your specific device is compatible or not.

For a cardiac PET scan, an implanted device is acceptable.

What if I have a stent or CABG?

For a cardiac CT scan, a stent or CABG is acceptable, but with limitations.

For a cardiac MRI, a stent or CABG is acceptable.

For a cardiac PET scan, a stent or CABG is acceptable.

What If I am claustrophobic?

Please discuss your concerns regarding claustrophobia with your cardiologist at the time the test is ordered to determine if a low dose sedative is needed to carry out your exam. Keep in mind, if sedatives are prescribed you WILL need a designated driver to bring you to and from your imaging appointment.

Contact Us

Cardiac Imaging Nurse Navigators:

(336) 832-8668

Cardiac CT Scheduling:

(336) 832-9038

Cardiac MRI Scheduling:

(336) 663-4290

Cardiac PET scheduling:

(336) 832-1071

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