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Expert Cardiac Imaging You Can Trust

Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging Services

Advanced cardiac imaging allows us to diagnose heart disease accurately, noninvasively, and at an early stage, guiding both preventive and interventional care.

At South Orange County Cardiology Group, we offer a full spectrum of evidence-based cardiac imaging modalities, interpreted by board-certified cardiologists with expertise in cardiovascular diagnostics and risk stratification.

Echocardiography

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
Stress echocardiography
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

Echocardiography provides real-time assessment of cardiac structure, ventricular function, valvular disease, and hemodynamics, and remains foundational to guideline-directed cardiovascular evaluation and management.

Nuclear Cardiology

Myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT)
Pharmacologic and exercise nuclear stress testing

Nuclear imaging evaluates myocardial ischemia, prior infarction, and myocardial viability, and is particularly useful in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. It plays a key role in risk stratification and clinical decision-making.

Cardiac PET Imaging

PET myocardial perfusion imaging
Absolute myocardial blood flow and flow reserve assessment

Cardiac PET provides superior diagnostic accuracy and lower radiation exposure compared to traditional SPECT imaging. It allows for quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow and is particularly valuable in patients with multivessel disease, microvascular dysfunction, or equivocal prior testing.

Cardiac PET imaging represents one of the most advanced noninvasive tools for detecting coronary artery disease and is a key differentiator of our imaging program.

Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA)

Coronary CT angiography (performed at trusted, accredited partner imaging facilities)
Evaluation of coronary anatomy, plaque burden, and nonobstructive atherosclerosis

CCTA is a noninvasive method for assessing coronary artery disease and is particularly useful in patients with chest pain and low-to-intermediate pretest probability.

Our cardiologists determine the appropriateness of testing, coordinate the study, and personally interpret the results in the context of each patient’s overall clinical profile, ensuring continuity of care.

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring

Noncontrast CT calcium scoring

CAC scoring identifies subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and is endorsed by ACC/AHA guidelines to refine cardiovascular risk assessment. It is particularly useful in guiding decisions regarding statin therapy and preventive strategies in intermediate-risk patients.

Vascular & Ancillary Imaging

Carotid duplex ultrasound
Lower extremity arterial and venous ultrasound
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

These studies evaluate peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular risk, and systemic atherosclerosis, providing a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health.

Why Cardiac Imaging Matters

  • Improves diagnostic accuracy and early disease detection
  • Reduces unnecessary invasive testing
  • Guides preventive, medical, and interventional therapy
  • Enhances patient understanding and shared decision-making
  • Enables individualized, risk-based treatment planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiac Imaging – FAQs

What is the difference between a stress test and a cardiac imaging test?
A stress test evaluates how the heart responds to exercise or pharmacologic stress, often combined with imaging such as echocardiography or nuclear imaging. Cardiac imaging refers more broadly to tests that assess heart structure, function, and blood flow. The appropriate test depends on symptoms, risk level, and clinical context.
What is the difference between PET and SPECT imaging?
Both PET and SPECT evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. Cardiac PET offers higher diagnostic accuracy, improved image quality, and lower radiation exposure. It also allows measurement of absolute myocardial blood flow, which can detect conditions such as microvascular disease that may not be seen on SPECT imaging.
What is coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring?
CAC scoring is a noninvasive CT scan that detects calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It is used to identify early atherosclerosis and refine cardiovascular risk, particularly in patients at borderline or intermediate risk.
What is a cardiac CT angiogram (CCTA)?
CCTA is a noninvasive imaging test that evaluates coronary artery anatomy and plaque. It is often used in patients with chest pain and low-to-intermediate risk to determine whether significant coronary artery disease is present.
Is cardiac imaging safe?
Most cardiac imaging tests are safe and well tolerated. Some tests involve low levels of radiation or contrast, but these are used judiciously and tailored to each patient’s clinical needs. The benefits of accurate diagnosis generally outweigh the risks.
How do I know which test I need?
The appropriate imaging test is determined by your cardiologist based on your symptoms, risk factors, and prior testing. Our goal is to select the most accurate and appropriate test while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Take Control of Your Heart Health Today – Request Appointment

Early detection and personalized care are key to maintaining a healthy heart. Speak with a board-certified cardiologist and receive expert care tailored to your heart’s needs.

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(949) 770-6252

What Our Patients Say

Testimonials

BEEN Seeing Dr. MASTERS for over 40 years. I trust him with my life. He’s honest & forthright, cares, & really listens & communicates! And he’s a good friend as well as my cardiologist. So it doesn’t get any better than that in this age of slam bam thank you mam medicine.

– Dan

Dr. John Nader Bahadorani is an exceptional doctor! His professionalism, compassion, and expertise make him a standout in his field. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch care. His dedication to his patients is truly impressive.

– Khatereh

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