At I-MED Radiology, our non-invasive cardiac imaging procedures are assisting GPs and specialists across Australia in the identification of cardiovascular disease. From a chest x-ray to a complex cardiac MRI, this pathways chart gives a brief overview of the applications of cardiac imaging.

*High risk features for possible cardiac causes of chest pain: 

• Elevated biomarker (e.g. troponin) 
• ECG changes - persistent or dynamic ST depression _ 0.5mm or T wave inversion _ 2mm 
• ST elevation _ 0.5mm in more than 2 contiguous leads 
• Repetitive or prolonged (>10minutes) ongoing chest pain or discomfort 
• Diaphoresis 
• Haemodynamic compromise 
• Sustained ventricular tachycardia 
• Syncope 
• Significant left ventricular dysfunction; ejection fraction less than 40% 
• Prior angioplasty or stent 
• Diabetes or chronic kidney disease eGFR < 60ml/min

Source: Adapted from National Heart Foundation of Australia and Cardiac Society of New Zealand: Australian clinical guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes 2016 Chew et al MJA 205 (3) 1 August 2016; 128-133