Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute brings advanced cardiac imaging to United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus

HASTINGS, Minn. (Oct. 2, 2025) — People southeast of the Twin Cities metro area who experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or uncomfortable heartbeats, can now benefit from advanced cardiac imaging at United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus. This addition of cardiac MRI technology is part of Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute’s continued commitment to make world-class cardiovascular care more accessible by investing in the communities it serves.

Typically, people receive a stress test, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or a Holter monitor as first steps in diagnosing a heart issue. However, to fully diagnose specific heart disease and formulate treatment plans, advanced cardiovascular imaging may be needed. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most comprehensive cardiovascular tests available to provide detailed views of the heart’s structure and function so clinicians can effectively evaluate the condition of the heart muscle, valve and aorta. 

According to the “2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data From the American Heart Association,” heart disease kills more people than any other cause, as many of the risks factors that contribute to it remain on the rise. Specifically, it found cardiovascular disease alone accounted for 941,652 U.S. deaths in 2022. This is on the heels of its previous 2024 report that found heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than 100 years. 

These startling statistics are a reminder that access to advanced technology is a critical piece in managing cardiovascular disease.  

"We’re very excited to now have cardiac MRI technology at United Hospital – Hastings Regina as it offers several practical advantages over traditional imaging methods," said Renee French, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at United Hospital – Hastings Regina. "It is non-invasive, and it allows providers to plan more precise treatments for their patients."  

João Cavalcante, MD, Head of Cardiac Imaging and Senior Cardiologist at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, agreed. "The cardiac MRI results provide important diagnostic and prognostic information about a patient’s heart, allowing providers to offer tailored guidance for the next steps in their care, whether that’s a medical intervention, different medications, lifestyle changes or a combination of these." He added, "This technology is a gamechanger and one of the ways we’re helping improve outcomes for patients suffering from heart disease – a disease that’s unnecessarily claiming far too many lives in our country." 

Allina Health has more than doubled its advanced cardiac imaging capabilities over the last five years. The addition of the cardiac MRI technology to the United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus builds upon Allina Health’s successful launch of advanced cardiac imaging at seven other locations: 

"In the past, advanced cardiac MRIs were limited to large metro hospitals or specialty centers. So we’re grateful our regional locations are receiving this expanded technology as it ensures our highly-skilled providers have access to the latest technology to help their patients, and patients can benefit from seamless access to tests and treatments in one place while staying close to work or home," said Jill Ostrem, President, United Hospital – Hastings Regina.    

To learn more about advanced cardiac imaging tests or other advanced diagnostic imaging tests at United Hospital – Hastings Regina, contact the hospital at 651-404-1000 or visit its website at www.allinahealth.org/regina-hospital.