Valley Health System has announced the launch of advanced cardiac positron emission tomography – computed tomography.
Also known as cardiac PET-CT, this imaging is available at Valley’s Ridgewood campus. Its advanced capabilities support more personalized treatment planning and help to deliver world-class cardiovascular care.
Compared to traditional nuclear stress test (SPECT, or single-photon emission computed tomography), cardiac PET offers:
- Superior image resolution for more accurate diagnosis.
- Quantitative blood flow measurements, enabling early detection of coronary artery disease – a narrowing of the coronary arteries.
- Lower radiation exposure for improved patient safety.
- Shorter scan times for better comfort and accessibility.
Valley claims the new technology will aid its ability to evaluate myocardial blood
flow, offering unprecedented precision in detecting both large artery blockages and microvascular dysfunction, a condition affecting the heart’s smallest vessels that often goes undetected with conventional imaging.
Director of Imaging for Valley Himanshu Gupta explained the upgrade.
“Unlike standard stress testing or SPECT imaging, PET-CT allows us to see both the forest and the trees,” he said. “It not only identifies major coronary artery disease but also uncovers subtle microvascular issues that can be missed with other tests. This means earlier, more accurate diagnoses and improved outcomes for our patients.”
