ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
GETTING TO THE
HEARTOF THE MATTER
Rapid advancements in technology are transforming the diagnosis of heart disease with cardiac MRI.
S
t. Clair now offers a cutting-edge test for the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease that was previously available
only at university hospitals, thanks to the addition of a
remarkable new cardiac imaging technology and an exceptionally qualified cardiac imaging specialist, Christopher Pray, M.D., FACC. Cardiac MRI is revolutionizing the field of cardiology, and Dr. Pray is specially trained to deliver the benefits and advantages of that Christopher Pray, M.D., FACC
transformation to patients in St. Clair Hospital’s service area. “Cardiac MRI is a new imaging technology that combines the best aspects of echocardiology and nuclear cardiology,” Dr. Pray explains. “It’s a fantastic tool; it uses radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create detailed images of the heart and precise measurements of heart size and function, including the size and functioning of the valves and blood vessels in the chest. It’s as easy for the patient as an x-ray, and is safer than an x-ray, as it does not use any radiation.” According to Dr. Pray, cardiac MRI allows cardiac imaging specialists like himself to visualize any scarring of the heart muscle that might indicate a prior heart attack or other condition. Cardiac muscle can be scarred not only by heart attacks, but also by viral infections, infiltrative diseases, or autoimmune
CHRISTOPHER PRAY, M.D., FACC
Dr. Pray specializes in cardiology. He earned his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y. and completed his residency at UPMC. He also completed fellowships in cardiology and cardiac MRI at UPMC. Dr. Pray is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, cardiology and echocardiography. He practices with South Hills Cardiology Associates, a division of St. Clair Medical Services. To contact Dr. Pray please call 412.942.7900. 22 I HouseCall I Volume IX Issue 4