Choosing the right test for you.
Access to echocardiography, cardiac CT, nuclear imaging, cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterisation, electrophysiology studies and other specialist diagnostic pathways—selected around your symptoms and the decision that needs to be made.
Advanced does not always mean appropriate.
Different cardiac tests answer different questions. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess heart structure, valves and pumping function. CT can assess coronary arteries, calcium and anatomy. Cardiac MRI can characterise heart muscle, inflammation, scar, blood flow and function without ionising radiation. Exercise and nuclear tests provide different physiological information.
The first step is to clarify the question. Dr Bhuva reviews symptoms, risk factors, previous tests and the likely effect of a result on treatment. Where specialist testing is appropriate, he can arrange access through established hospital pathways and interpret the findings within the wider clinical picture.
Specialist diagnostics may help assess
- Chest pain and suspected coronary disease
- Heart-muscle disease and unexplained reduced function
- Valve disease and chamber size
- Inflammation, scar or previous heart injury
- Exercise-related symptoms or an abnormal ECG
- Complex rhythm or cardiac-device decisions
Imaging, AI and patient care.
CT coronary angiography
Detailed coronary imaging selected for stable chest-pain and coronary-disease questions when the result is likely to change care.
CT coronary angiogram assessment →Cardiac MRI
Dr Bhuva regularly reports cardiac MRI and has specialist expertise in cardiovascular tissue characterisation and function.
Cardiac MRI assessment →AI-assisted analysis
His research has examined how machine learning and automated analysis can make cardiovascular measurements faster and more reproducible while retaining clinical oversight.
MRI with a cardiac device
He has led national work to improve MRI access for people with pacemakers and defibrillators through education, British guidance and redesigned pathways.
MRI with a pacemaker or defibrillator →Imaging questions.
Can I book a cardiac MRI directly?
A consultation or referral is usually helpful to confirm that MRI is the appropriate test, define the protocol and make sure the result will answer the clinical question.
Is cardiac CT better than cardiac MRI?
Neither is generally “better”. CT is particularly useful for coronary anatomy; MRI provides different information about heart muscle, scar, inflammation and function.
Are investigation fees included?
No. Hospital and imaging charges are separate from the consultation fee and should be confirmed before the test is arranged.
Discuss which test, if any, is appropriate.
Bring previous scan reports and images where available.