Topic Overview
A ventriculogram is a test that shows images of your heart. The images show how well your heart is pumping. The pictures let your doctor check the health of the lower chambers of your heart, called ventricles.
This test can be done as a noninvasive test or as part of an invasive procedure.
- Noninvasive imaging test. You get an injection of dye into your blood. Then your doctor uses a special camera to see how well your heart is pumping blood.
- Invasive procedure. This test is done as part of a cardiac catheterization. Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible catheter into your heart. Your doctor uses the catheter to inject dye into your heart. This dye makes the inside of your heart show up on an X-ray. Then your doctor can see how well your heart is pumping.
A ventriculogram can show:
- The movement of your heart muscle as your ventricles fill and pump blood.
- The size of your ventricles.
- How efficiently your left ventricle pumps blood (ejection fraction).
- How well blood flows through your heart valves (aortic and mitral valves).
References
Other Works Consulted
- Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2013). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 6th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
- Gigliotti OS, et al. (2015). Optimal use of left ventriculography at the time of cardiac catheterization: A consensus statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, 85(2): 181–191. DOI: 10.1002/ccd.25642. Accessed July 1, 2015.
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2014). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 5th ed. St. Louis: Mosby.
Credits
Current as ofApril 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Rakesh K. Pai, MD – Cardiology, Electrophysiology
E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
George J. Philippides, MD, FACC – Cardiology
Current as of: April 9, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Rakesh K. Pai, MD – Cardiology, Electrophysiology & E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & George J. Philippides, MD, FACC – Cardiology
