Congestive Heart Failure & Angina

Molecular Imaging in Cardiovascular Diseases

Molecular imaging enables visualization of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level, bridging the gap between pathophysiology and clinical care. In cardiovascular disease, molecular probes can detect inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis—key processes underlying heart failure and ischemic syndromes. Techniques such as PET and SPECT imaging, combined with novel radiotracers, allow non-invasive mapping of disease activity that precedes structural changes visible on conventional imaging.

The field is rapidly evolving, with applications in early detection of vulnerable plaques, guiding targeted therapies, and assessing novel drug efficacy. Hybrid modalities like PET/MRI provide complementary insights into both functional and structural changes. This track will highlight cutting-edge molecular imaging advances, discuss translational hurdles, and showcase how precision imaging could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment in angina and heart failure. Attendees will learn how molecular signatures may eventually guide patient-specific therapeutic decisions and improve long-term outcomes.