Orlando Heart Center First Cardiology Group in Central Florida to Offer Cardiac P.E.T. Stress Testing

June 2009

Orlando Heart Center is the first cardiology group in Central Florida to offer Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography Stress Testing -- one of the most advanced methods for physicians to study the heart and detect cardiovascular disease. Known as Cardiac P.E.T., this non-invasive, painless scan allows cardiologists to actually see the functioning of the heart, blood vessels and surrounding tissue rather than just their structure.

With P.E.T. imaging, cardiologists can:

  • Evaluate areas of the heart muscle that are not receiving adequate blood flow due to blockages in the arteries
  • Detect coronary heart disease
  • Assess tissue scarring due to a heart attack
  • Determine if bypass surgery or angioplasty will benefit a damaged part of the heart

Performed in the nationally accredited lab at Orlando Heart Center’s downtown office, some of the key benefits of Cardiac P.E.T. stress testing include:

  • Detects over 95 percent of people who have significant blockages of coronary arteries.
  • Rarely produces false positives.
  • Takes less than one hour to perform compared to four for a traditional stress test
  • Exposes patients to significantly less radiation than traditional stress testing

“As cardiologists, we have been concerned for years that for certain patients, traditional nuclear stress tests are not always the optimal test to diagnose coronary artery disease,” said Orlando Heart Center Cardiologist Mark Steiner, M.D. “Cardiac P.E.T. stress testing is a safer, quicker and more effective alternative to traditional nuclear stress test for many patients, especially those who are large-chested or are unable to walk on a treadmill.”

Most people are candidates for P.E.T. scans. However, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people who have bronchospasmic disease, asthma or have recently suffered stroke usually are not. Talk to your Orlando Heart Center cardiologist to learn more.

40th Anniversary

Founded in 1968 by Jonathan O. Partain, M.D., Orlando Heart Center celebrated its 40th anniversary on January 10, 2008. Committed to excellence, Orlando Heart Center has grown to have 23 board-certified cardiologists and is one of the largest and most well established cardiology practices in Central Florida.  The practice offers the entire spectrum of cardiovascular services, delivering high-quality, cost-effective individualized care. Orlando Heart Center physicians provide the latest technologies and treatments at easily accessible locations.

60 West Gore Street • Orlando, FL 32806
407-650-1300

7236 Stonerock Circle • Orlando, FL 32819
407-370-5800

10,000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 484 • Ocoee, FL 34761
407-290-3050

NEW Office - NOW OPEN!

11309 Lake Underhill Road Orlando, FL 32825

407-380-6020


Read articles written by Orlando Heart Center physicians regarding important matters in the cardiology field. 
The material provided on this site is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not substitute for proper consultation with trained medical personnel.