Approaches to enhancing radiation safety in cardiovascular imaging a scientific statement from the American Heart Association

Reza Fazel, Thomas C. Gerber, Stephen Balter, David J. Brenner, J. Jeffrey Carr, Manuel D. Cerqueira, Jersey Chen, Andrew J. Einstein, Harlan M. Krumholz, Mahadevappa Mahesh, Cynthia H. McCollough, James K. Min, Richard L. Morin, Brahmajee K. Nallamothu, Khurram Nasir, Rita F. Redberg, Leslee J. Shaw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

Education, justification, and optimization are the cornerstones to enhancing the radiation safety of medical imaging. Education regarding the benefits and risks of imaging and the principles of radiation safety is required for all clinicians in order for them to be able to use imaging optimally. Empowering patients with knowledge of the benefits and risks of imaging will facilitate their meaningful participation in decisions related to their health care, which is necessary to achieve patient-centered care. Limiting the use of imaging to appropriate clinical indications can ensure that the benefits of imaging outweigh any potential risks. Finally, the continually expanding repertoire of techniques that allow high-quality imaging with lower radiation exposure should be used when available to achieve safer imaging. The implementation of these strategies in practice is necessary to achieve high-quality, patient-centered imaging and will require a shared effort and investment by all stakeholders, including physicians, patients, national scientific and educational organizations, politicians, and industry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1730-1748
Number of pages19
JournalCirculation
Volume130
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • AHA scientific statements
  • Cardiac imaging techniques
  • Radiation dosage
  • Radiation protection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Physiology (medical)

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