Global Cardiac Imaging Radiation Varies Widely
International study of more than 19,000 patients finds substantial differences in radiation exposure from coronary artery disease imaging across modalities, regions, and income levels.
By
Julie Greenbaum
March 12, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Global Cardiac Imaging Radiation Varies Widely
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Coronary artery disease imaging Key Mechanisms Radiation exposure during noninvasive diagnostic testing Target Population Adult patients undergoing coronary imaging Care Setting Hospital and outpatient imaging facilities
Key Highlights
44% of patients undergoing CCTA received radiation doses above the 9 mSv guideline target. Median radiation dose for CCTA was 7.4 mSv, with significant variability by center. 81% of centers performing nuclear cardiology met the 9 mSv target compared to 56% for CCTA. Radiation exposure was highest in Africa for CCTA (25.2 mSv) and Latin America for nuclear cardiology (7.8 mSv). Use of newer scanner technology was associated with lower radiation exposure. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Adhere to the guideline target of a median effective dose of 9 mSv or less for nuclear cardiology. Management
Implement standardized protocols and training to reduce radiation exposure. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regularly assess and report radiation doses across imaging centers. Risks
Higher radiation exposure associated with older scanner technology and lower-income regions. Patient & Prescribing Data
19,302 adult patients undergoing imaging for coronary artery disease.
Radiation exposure varies significantly by imaging modality and geographic region.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize newer imaging technology to minimize radiation exposure. Standardize imaging protocols across centers to ensure consistent radiation doses. Monitor patient demographics and imaging outcomes to identify high-risk groups. Related Resources & Content
