American Heart Month is a time to reflect on progress in cardiovascular care and emphasize a renewed focus on prevention. Today’s heart care is deeply connected to advanced imaging, with radiology and cardiology working side by side to detect disease earlier, guide treatment decisions, and ensure patients receive the right intervention at the right time.
“One of my primary goals since starting my role as section chief of the cardiopulmonary imaging section has been to build even stronger, more collaborative ties with our colleagues in the Division of Cardiology,” said Elliott Gozansky, M.D., Ph.D., professor and cardiopulmonary imaging section chief. “I am pleased to share that we have made meaningful strides in a short time. Our partnership continues to grow in ways that directly benefit our patients through improved coordination, access, and shared expertise.”
One example of this collaboration is coronary CT angiography, a noninvasive test that allows evaluation of the coronary arteries in patients with stable symptoms. This technology helps cardiologists determine whether blockages are present and whether medical therapy, additional testing, or intervention is needed — often without requiring an invasive procedure.
Another key area of teamwork is pre-TAVR CT imaging. For patients with severe aortic valve disease who may be candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), detailed CT imaging is essential for procedural planning. These studies require close coordination between radiology and cardiology teams to ensure precise measurements and the best possible outcomes.
As technology advances, so does the ability of clinicians to provide safer, more accurate, and less invasive care. Still, even the most sophisticated imaging cannot replace the power of prevention.
“Our goal is simple, we’ll be here when you need us, with advanced imaging that supports life-saving cardiac care, but we’d much rather help you stay healthy enough to avoid our scanners altogether,” Gozansky said. “This Heart Month, we’re proud of the growing partnership between radiology and cardiology and remain committed to working together to improve heart care for every patient we serve.”
That partnership is exemplified through Gozansky’s collaboration with Nicole Lohr, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Cardiovascular Disease, co-director of the UAB Medicine Cardiovascular Institute and associate director of the Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center, a university wide interdisciplinary research center. “Collaboration is truly at the “heart” of heart care,” said Lohr. “Working with Dr. Gozansky and the cardiopulmonary imaging section has been a pleasure. Our partnership has played a critical role to advancing state of the art imaging for the management of coronary disease at UAB. We look forward to continuing this work together to improve patient outcomes across specialties.”
Gozansky shares practical guidance on protecting one’s heart health:
Stop smoking.
If you’ve tried to quit before and struggled, you are not alone — and it’s never too late to try again. Smoking cessation is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your heart and overall health. Support programs, medications, and counseling can greatly improve your chances of success.
Adopt a heart-healthy diet.
Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, excess sodium, and added sugars. Small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful long-term benefits.
Make physical activity a part of your daily routine.
Aim for regular exercise and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day. Whether it’s brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or another activity you enjoy, consistency matters more than intensity.