The cardiac specialists at the Ohio State Heart and Vascular Center offer the latest in heart tests and diagnostics to accurately diagnose your heart condition as quickly as possible. If you have heart disease, you need an experienced team on your side that can get the condition under control and help you get relief from your troublesome symptoms. The heart and vascular team at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center have the skills and techniques to do just that.

Why choose Ohio State for your heart tests

We have a dedicated team of specially trained cardiovascular imaging specialists who work closely with your cardiologist to accurately diagnose your heart condition. Our imaging team not only reads the results of your imaging test but also knows how to interpret them as it applies to your potential treatment plan.

Level III training – All our imaging specialists have the highest cardiac imaging training ensuring accuracy and safety.

State-of-the-art technology available to you

You’ll undergo your cardiac imaging testing in our world-class facility with the latest imaging equipment and technology. Some of the newest and best technology includes:

Cardiac MRI low-field scanner – first-in-the-nation, low-field, ultra-wide cardiac MRI scanner to help patients whose size or claustrophobia has prevented successful cardiac MRIs in the past
Cardiac MRI (CMR) – extremely detailed and thorough evaluation of your heart to diagnose and guide treatment of your heart condition
Thoracic MRI angiography (MRA) – a type of cardiac MRI used to diagnose and monitor aortic aneurysms
Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) – low-cost scan to identify early indications of heart disease
Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) – high-resolution scan to evaluate your heart’s blood vessels and check for blockages
CT transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR) pre-procedural planning – detailed tool used prior to a lifesaving TAVR procedure to make the procedure safer
Congenital CT – detailed imaging of your heart for those who have complex congenital heart disease

Angiogram

This type of imaging uses X-rays to check the interior of the body’s blood vessels for blocked or diseased areas.

Biopsies

A biopsy is when your specialist takes a small tissue sample for closer analysis in the lab, which can help in diagnosing a condition.

Cardiac imaging scans

Computed tomography (CT) combines X-ray images with computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnets to generate images. Positron emission tomography (PET) uses radioactive tracers to create images.

Echocardiograms

This type of imaging uses sound waves to help your specialist take a closer look inside your heart to assess your heart’s function and evaluate your heart valves.

Stress tests

These types of tests assess how well your heart and vascular system performs under stressful conditions, such as during strenuous exercise or sudden change in positioning of the body.

Other tests

Ohio State heart and vascular experts are experienced in using a wide variety of diagnostic methods to make an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan.

Ankle-brachial index
Blood pressure tests
Blood tests
Electrocardiogram
Genetic testing
Holter monitor
Lipoprotein(a) levels and testing
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol. High levels are an inherited heard risk that can’t be lowered by usual medication or lifestyle changes. High levels of Lp(a) can cause atherosclerosis (buildup of fats and cholesterol in your arteries) as well as inflammation and increased clotting. About 1 in 5 people have high Lp(a).

A blood test is used to check your Lp(a) levels.

If you have one of the following risk factors, you may consider having your Lp(a) levels tested:
- Poor circulation in your legs (peripheral arterial disease)
- Heart attack, stroke or coronary artery disease before age 65 for women or 55 for men without known risk factors
- Family history of early heart attacks or strokes (before age 65 for women or age 55 for men)
- Family history of hypercholesterolemia (an inherited condition resulting in very high levels of cholesterol)
- Certain types of aortic valve stenosis
Multiple gated acquisition scan (MUGA)
Pulmonary function test

Ultrasound imaging

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the blood vessels, tissues and organs.

Other services

Dialysis access

Why choose Ohio State for your heart tests and diagnostics

We have a dedicated team of specially trained cardiovascular imaging specialists who are committed to helping your cardiologist diagnose your heart condition. Our imaging team not only reads the results of your imaging test but also knows how to interpret them as they’ll apply to real-world patient care. You’ll undergo your cardiac imaging testing in our world-class facility with the latest imaging equipment and technology.

Request video transcript

What is a CT scan?

In this video, our imaging technologist describes a CT scan (or CAT scan), the uses for this exam, which typically includes the vascular or GI systems, and what to expect during this type of diagnostic test.

Heart Tests and Diagnostics

Offering the region’s most advanced cardiac diagnostic testing capabilities.