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A CT coronary angiography is used to determine whether symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath are related to a coronary problem, and whether those symptoms can be treated with medicine, with non-invasive techniques, or with surgery. CT coronary angiography – Shows calcium deposits and possible blockages or narrowings in the blood vessels.It’s been shown that the more this artery thickens, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid ultrasound – A new imaging test that looks for thickness of the inner lining of the carotid arteries.A recent NIH study has shown that the more coronary calcium you have, the greater your risk of a heart attack. Calcium is not present in normal coronary arteries and when present is a sign of atherosclerosis. Coronary calcium scoring/screening – This test uses a CT scan to take an image the heart, which looks for calcium deposits within the coronary arteries.Different Types of New Cardiovascular ImagingĪdvanced imaging techniques can display three-dimensional pictures within the arteries, and perhaps provide clues to future cardiovascular events. New kinds of imaging are required to see the extent of that buildup. However, blood flow can also appear to be normal even with plaque buildup. If there are regions of the heart that are not getting as much blood as others, it might be a sign of clogged coronary arteries. Traditional cardiac diagnostic tests such as stress tests and echocardiograms can show a physician how much blood is flowing to the heart. The challenge for diagnostic testing is to detect the condition of an artery before the blockage occurs. The rupture or breakage of the plaque that causes a blood clot that can result in a heart attack is sudden, and carries little warning. The buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the coronary arteries happens gradually over many years. Predicting Cardiac Events Through Traditional Imaging