Fractional Flow Reserve: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Fractional Flow Reserve is a physiologic measurement used to assess whether a coronary artery narrowing is limiting blood flow. It is a diagnostic concept applied during invasive coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization. It helps connect coronary anatomy (stenosis) with myocardial ischemia (impaired oxygen delivery). It is commonly used to guide decisions about percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) such as stenting.

Left Heart Catheterization: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Left Heart Catheterization is an invasive cardiac procedure that places a catheter into the arterial system to evaluate the left side of the heart. It is most commonly used to assess coronary arteries, left ventricular (LV) function, and left-sided pressures. It sits in the domain of diagnostic cardiology and interventional cardiology, often alongside coronary angiography. It is frequently performed in chest pain evaluation, acute coronary syndromes, and preoperative cardiac assessment.

Right Heart Catheterization: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Right Heart Catheterization is an invasive test that directly measures pressures and blood flow through the right side of the heart and pulmonary circulation. It is a cardiovascular procedure used to assess hemodynamics, oxygenation, and cardiac output in real time. It is commonly performed in catheterization laboratories and intensive care settings. It supports diagnosis and management planning in conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and advanced heart failure.

Cardiac Catheterization: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Cardiac Catheterization is a procedure in which a thin tube (catheter) is guided through a blood vessel into the heart and great vessels. It is used in cardiology as a diagnostic test and, in many cases, as a therapy. It helps assess coronary arteries, heart chamber pressures, oxygen levels, and valve function. It is commonly performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory (“cath lab”) for both urgent and planned evaluations.

Coronary Angiography: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Coronary Angiography is an imaging test that shows the inside (lumen) of the coronary arteries using contrast and X‑ray. It is a diagnostic procedure in interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterization. It is commonly used to evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD) in stable symptoms and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It can also guide treatment decisions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Cardiac CT: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Cardiac CT is a computed tomography (CT) imaging test focused on the heart and great vessels. It is primarily a diagnostic tool that provides detailed anatomic information. It is commonly used to evaluate coronary arteries, cardiac chambers, valves, and the thoracic aorta. It is widely applied in outpatient cardiology and selected emergency department chest pain pathways.

Cardiac MRI: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Cardiac MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging test focused on the heart and great vessels. It is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure used to assess cardiac anatomy, function, and tissue characteristics. It is commonly used in cardiology for cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, ischemic heart disease, and congenital heart disease evaluation. It complements echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), and cardiac catheterization in selected patients.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

Transesophageal Echocardiogram is an ultrasound-based cardiac imaging test performed with a probe in the esophagus. It is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize heart structure and blood flow with high detail. It is commonly used in cardiology, anesthesiology, emergency care, and cardiac surgery. It is often chosen when transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) images are limited or when specific structures must be assessed closely.

Echocardiogram: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound-based test that creates moving images of the heart. It is a diagnostic test used to evaluate cardiac anatomy and function in real time. It is commonly used in cardiology, emergency care, perioperative medicine, and inpatient wards. It helps clinicians assess chambers, valves, and blood flow without ionizing radiation.

Treadmill Test: Definition, Clinical Significance, and Overview

A Treadmill Test is an exercise-based diagnostic test that evaluates the heart’s response to physical stress. It is used in cardiology to assess symptoms, exercise capacity, and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes with exertion. It is commonly performed in outpatient stress testing labs and hospital-based cardiology services. It is a functional test that can support diagnosis and risk stratification in selected patients.