Cardiac Imaging & Monitoring

Advanced Cardiac Imaging Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers the latest in tests and diagnostic tools for heart and vascular disease. The CardioVascular Institute features specialized facilities with advanced technology for diagnosing complex disease.

We are a pioneer in developing cardiac magnetic resonance techniques to offer you the latest in coronary artery imaging. We also use the latest techniques to give you expert assessment of cardiomyopathies, pericardial disease and congenital (structural) heart diseases.

Diagnostic Imaging Services

Our radiologists use cardiovascular testing to screen for, diagnose, guide and plan your treatment. We also use imaging and lab tests to monitor your condition or check how well your treatment is working.

We offer these and other types of testing:

• Cardiac CT uses specialized X-rays and computers to create detailed images of the heart.
• Cardiac MRI uses radio waves and strong magnets to create detailed images of the heart.
• Echocardiogram uses ultrasound imaging to check the structure and function of your heart.
• Stress tests check how well your heart tolerates exercise. These are also known as exercise tolerance or treadmill tests.

Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG)

Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) are a record of the electrical activity of the heart. This noninvasive, painless test is an important diagnostic tool. Doctors can use ECG to monitor how well your treatment is working. This tool also detects changes in both acute (occurring suddenly) and chronic (long-term) heart conditions.

Our Electrocardiography Lab serves as an important teaching and training resource to build expertise in interpreting electrocardiogram (ECG) results. Cardiology trainees and Harvard Medical students studying cardiology use this lab.

Arrythmia Diagnosis & Monitoring

The CardioVascular Institute’s Cardiac Monitoring Lab performs a type of electrocardiogram (ECG) study for those with suspected arrhythmia (heart rhythm abnormality). Our services include:

• Working closely with the electrophysiology team to identify those at risk for serious arrhythmias.
• Providing arrhythmia surveillance after ablation and cardioversion procedures.
• Performing waveform interval measurements after valve replacements and for those on trials of anti-arrhythmic drugs.

The lab's state-of-the-art technology includes:

• Long-term ECG monitors that collect up to 14 days of data and provide rate, rhythm, arrhythmia burden and symptom correlation.
• Event monitors that collect data for one to four weeks. These are activated by the patient or when the device detects serious arrhythmias. These monitors automatically transmit tracings in real-time so doctors can act upon significant findings right away.

Board-certified cardiac electrophysiologists review all electrocardiogram data.

Multidisciplinary Care & Expertise

Your heart care imaging team will work closely with these and other specialists:

• Other cardiovascular medicine doctors
• Primary care doctors
• Radiologists
• Anesthesiologists

This collaboration among different medical disciplines keeps the lines of communication open and enhances your quality of care.