Why Choose Stamford Health
Stamford Health is proud to be the largest provider in Fairfield County of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a safe and non-invasive imaging test. It uses magnets and radiofrequency waves to produce detailed pictures of the heart’s structure and blood vessels. These images are instrumental in detecting or tracking heart conditions.
What To Expect During A Visit
Our cardiologists, radiologists, and technologists are highly trained in performing MRIs and interpreting the results so patients can receive the most accurate information about their health.
- Prior to arriving at the Tully Health Center, please leave all jewelry and other valuables at home, or remove them before your cardiac MRI scan.
- During a cardiac MRI, you will lie on the scanning table while a technologist performs the exam, which includes multiple runs (sequences) that could last several minutes.
- You may receive an intravenous catheter (IV line) into a vein in your hand or arm that injects the contrast material to detect diseased tissue.
- Cardiologists and radiologists will review the scan results carefully and send information back to your primary care physician.
- Our team of cardiologists, radiologists, and dedicated cardiac MRI technologists will be with you throughout the process to ensure concierge-level experience.
Meet Dr. Anna Koulova
Dr. Anna Koulova is a cardiologist with Stamford Health. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the heart and cardiovascular system.
After studying biology at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, she earned her medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla. Dr. Koulova completed an internal medicine residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s West Program. She was a cardiovascular disease fellow at Westchester Medical Center. Dr. Koulova has been involved in a myriad of research projects involving hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac MRI. She has published articles in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology (JACC) and the Journal of Thoracic Disease. She has also presented her research at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meetings.
Her special interests include the use of advanced imaging techniques to see and evaluate the function of the heart. As a cardiologist with Stamford Health, Dr. Koulova offers compassionate, personalized care – along with innovative technology – to help her patients feel better and live well.
Cardiac MRI FAQs
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HOW DOES A CARDIAC MRI WORK?A cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a combination of magnets and radiofrequency waves to create detailed images of your heart's structure and blood vessels. There is no ionizing radiation involved. You will be asked to lie on a scanning table while our skilled technologists perform the MRI, which includes multiple sequences, each lasting several minutes. During the procedure, an intravenous catheter (IV line) may be used to inject a contrast material, allowing us to detect any diseased tissue.
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WHAT HEART CONDITIONS CAN A CARDIAC MRI DIAGNOSE OR MONITOR?Cardiac MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool used to identify various cardiovascular disorders, such as cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, vascular ischemic injury, inflammation, infections, congenital heart diseases, and the presence of masses or tumors in the heart. It is particularly valuable for assessing heart conditions that weaken the heart muscle or affect specific parts of the heart.
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WHO PERFORMS AND INTERPRETS CARDIAC MRI RESULTS AT STAMFORD HEALTH?At Stamford Health, cardiac MRIs are conducted and interpreted by a team of experts. Our highly trained cardiologists, radiologists, and technologists collaborate to ensure the most accurate results. After the MRI, the findings are reviewed in detail, and the information is shared with your primary care physician, cardiologist, and other health care team members to guide your care.
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HOW IS A CARDIAC MRI DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CARDIAC TESTS?Cardiac MRI sets itself apart from other initial cardiac tests by providing a comprehensive view of your heart, its function, and can provide detailed characteristics of the heart muscle. It allows for earlier and highly specific detection of heart conditions. Unlike some other tests, cardiac MRI offers a detailed examination of the heart's structure and the way it works, resulting in a more comprehensive assessment.
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DO YOU NEED A REFERRAL FROM A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN TO GET A CARDIAC MRI?Consulting with your primary care provider or cardiologist may be beneficial as they can assess your specific health care needs and determine whether a cardiac MRI is appropriate for you.
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