Advanced cardiac imaging brings faster answers, better care close to home

When it comes to heart disease, every second matters.

That's why TriStar Summit Medical Center has invested in upgraded advanced CT technology designed to help physicians diagnose heart conditions faster, more accurately and more efficiently. For patients across Davidson County, Wilson County and surrounding communities, this means access to advanced cardiac evaluations close to home.

The upgraded cardiac CT capabilities support physicians, including Dr. Muhammad Asad and Dr. Getu Assefa, interventional cardiologists with Centennial Heart, in evaluating coronary artery disease and other causes of chest pain with greater speed and precision.

"This technology allows us to obtain incredibly detailed images of the coronary arteries while minimizing the challenges traditionally associated with cardiac imaging," said Dr. Asad. "Patients can receive advanced cardiac evaluations close to home, helping us diagnose disease earlier and determine the most appropriate treatment plan more quickly."

Cardiac CT angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive test used to evaluate coronary artery disease. Because the heart is constantly moving, capturing clear images has traditionally been challenging. TriStar Summit’s upgraded CT technology can capture high-quality images in a single heartbeat, allowing physicians to see the coronary arteries with remarkable precision.

The system also offers CT fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), an advanced diagnostic tool that helps physicians determine whether a partial blockage is significantly restricting blood flow to the heart. By combining detailed images with blood flow analysis, physicians can better identify which patients may benefit from medication, additional testing or intervention.

"One of the greatest advantages of CT-FFR is that it helps us move from seeing a blockage to understanding what it means for the patient," said Dr. Asad. "That added insight allows us to make care decisions with greater confidence and guide patients toward the right treatment plan for our patients."

Beyond cardiac imaging, the upgraded technology also helps physicians evaluate multiple causes of chest pain during a single exam. Physicians can simultaneously assess the heart, lungs and aorta, helping identify or rule out conditions such as pulmonary embolism, aortic disease and coronary artery disease during a single exam.

The result is a faster, more efficient patient experience and quicker answers when patients need them most.

"Patients deserve access to cutting-edge cardiovascular care where they live," said Dr. Assefa. "Our goal is to provide the same advanced diagnostic capabilities found at major medical centers while delivering the personalized care our community expects."

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, making access to timely, high-quality cardiovascular care especially important. With upgraded cardiac CT technology, TriStar Summit is helping patients get answers sooner, so they can move forward with the care they need.

Learn more about cardiac services offered at TriStar Summit Medical Center by visiting our website at Cardiology in Hermitage.