Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
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Question:
What is the difference between invasive and non-invasive cardiology?
submitted by Josh from Tucson, New Mexico, 9/21/08 Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, R. David Fish, MD 
Invasive cardiology and non-invasive cardiology are terms that describe the various tools and techniques used to diagnose and treat heart disease. Non-invasive methods typically involve imaging techniques like ultrasound or nuclear tracer imaging to analyze the condition and performance of the heart and blood vessels and do not involve entry into the body. Invasive cardiology involves the insertion into the body of tools like catheters, balloons, and stents to diagnose and treat heart disease, although opening the body with surgery is not encompassed by this term.
Cardiologists are trained in both non-invasive and invasive techniques, but typically devote extra training to one or the other as they specialize in their practice. Non-invasive approaches have a mainly diagnostic purpose, whereas invasive cardiology affords the opportunity to treat, but both general approaches are used for every patient to achieve effective diagnosis and treatment.
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Updated September 2008
