Intravascular Ultrasound is an imaging test performed from inside a blood vessel using a tiny ultrasound probe on a catheter. It creates cross-sectional pictures of the artery wall and the space where blood flows. It is most commonly used during cardiac catheterization to assess coronary arteries and guide stent procedures. It can also be used in selected peripheral (non-heart) arteries.

iFR is a pressure-based index used to evaluate how much a coronary artery narrowing affects blood flow to the heart muscle. It is measured during a cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography) using a specialized pressure-sensing guidewire. iFR stands for “instantaneous wave-free ratio,” and it is calculated during a specific portion of the heartbeat when resistance is naturally lower and more stable. It is commonly used in cath labs to help decide whether a coronary stenosis (narrowing) is likely to benefit from revascularization, such as stenting.

Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio is a way to measure how much a coronary artery narrowing is limiting blood flow. It is calculated during a heart catheterization using a thin pressure-sensing wire. It compares pressure before and after a narrowing during a specific part of the heartbeat. It is commonly used to help decide whether a coronary blockage is likely to benefit from stenting or other treatment.

FFR stands for fractional flow reserve. It is an invasive measurement used to estimate how much a coronary artery narrowing limits blood flow to the heart muscle. FFR is most commonly assessed during coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization). Clinicians use it to help decide whether a blockage is likely to benefit from stenting or other revascularization.

Fractional Flow Reserve is a pressure-based measurement used to assess how much a coronary artery narrowing limits blood flow. It is measured during a cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography) using a specialized pressure sensor. It helps clinicians decide whether a blockage is likely to cause ischemia, meaning inadequate oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. It is commonly used to guide decisions about stents or other revascularization approaches in stable coronary artery disease.

A Hemodynamic Study is a medical evaluation of how blood moves through the heart and blood vessels. It measures pressures, blood flow, and oxygen levels to understand how well the cardiovascular system is working. It is commonly performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory using thin tubes (catheters). It can also be discussed more broadly as “hemodynamic assessment” in critical care and perioperative settings.

A Coronary Angiogram is an invasive imaging test that shows blood flow inside the heart’s coronary arteries. It uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye to outline the arteries that supply the heart muscle. It is commonly performed in cardiac catheterization laboratories (“cath labs”) in hospitals. Clinicians use it to diagnose or clarify coronary artery disease and to guide treatment decisions.

Right Heart Catheterization is a test that measures pressures and blood flow on the right side of the heart and in the lungs. It uses a thin, flexible tube (catheter) placed into a vein and guided into the heart. It helps clinicians understand how well the heart pumps blood to the lungs and how the lungs’ blood vessels behave. It is commonly used in cardiology, pulmonary hypertension care, and intensive care settings.

Left Heart Catheterization is an invasive test in which a thin tube (catheter) is guided through an artery to the left side of the heart. It is commonly used to evaluate the coronary arteries, the aortic valve, and left-ventricular (LV) pressures. It is often performed in cardiac catheterization laboratories (cath labs) in hospitals. It may be diagnostic (to understand a problem) and, in some cases, paired with treatment during the same session.

Cardiac Catheterization is an invasive heart test and treatment approach performed using thin tubes called catheters. It is commonly done in a cardiac catheterization laboratory (“cath lab”) using live X-ray imaging. It helps clinicians diagnose and sometimes treat problems involving the heart chambers, valves, and coronary arteries.

Invasive Coronary Angiography is a catheter-based imaging test used to look directly at the heart’s coronary arteries. It uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye to show blood flow and areas of narrowing or blockage. It is commonly performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory (“cath lab”) in hospitals. It helps clinicians confirm or rule out coronary artery disease and plan next steps in care.

CCTA stands for coronary computed tomography angiography. It is a specialized CT scan that produces detailed images of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. CCTA is most commonly used to evaluate possible coronary artery disease in people with symptoms such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath. It is also used in selected patients to clarify risk and guide next diagnostic steps.

Coronary CT Angiography is a heart imaging test that uses a CT scanner and IV contrast dye to show the coronary arteries. It creates detailed pictures of blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. It is commonly used to evaluate possible coronary artery disease in people with chest symptoms or unclear test results. It can also help clinicians understand plaque (buildup) and narrowing in the coronary arteries.

Cardiac CT is a computed tomography scan focused on the heart and nearby blood vessels. It uses X‑rays and computer processing to create detailed cross‑sectional images. It is commonly used to evaluate coronary artery disease, heart anatomy, and some structural heart conditions. It is performed in hospitals and imaging centers, often as an outpatient test.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an advanced imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed pictures of the heart and blood vessels. It is commonly used in cardiology to evaluate heart structure, heart function, and heart muscle tissue characteristics. CMR can help clarify the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue. It is performed in hospitals and imaging centers with MRI scanners and trained cardiovascular imaging teams.

Cardiac MRI is a heart-focused scan that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and nearby blood vessels. It shows heart structure and function without using ionizing radiation (the type used in X-rays and CT). Cardiac MRI is commonly used in hospitals and specialty cardiovascular imaging centers to evaluate symptoms, diagnose disease, and guide care planning. It can assess heart muscle, blood flow, scarring, inflammation, and many congenital or acquired heart conditions.

Speckle Tracking is an imaging analysis method most commonly used with echocardiography (heart ultrasound). It follows natural “speckle” patterns in ultrasound images to measure how heart muscle moves and deforms. In plain terms, it helps clinicians quantify how well the heart squeezes, relaxes, and coordinates its motion. It is widely used in cardiology to assess myocardial strain, especially of the left ventricle.

Strain Imaging is a way to measure how heart muscle deforms as it contracts and relaxes. It turns subtle motion of the myocardium (heart muscle) into numbers and curves that reflect function. It is most commonly performed during an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). It is also available with cardiac MRI and, in selected settings, other imaging methods.

Tissue Doppler is an echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) technique that measures how fast heart muscle moves. It focuses on myocardial (heart muscle) motion rather than blood flow. It is most commonly used during a standard transthoracic echocardiogram performed in an outpatient or hospital setting. Clinicians use it to better understand how the heart squeezes and relaxes.

Color Doppler is an ultrasound method that shows blood flow using color on the screen. It is most commonly added to echocardiograms (heart ultrasound) and vascular ultrasound exams. It helps clinicians see the direction and relative speed of blood moving through the heart and blood vessels.