Which of the following is a non-invasive imaging technique for cardiac evaluation?

The nuclear stress test is indeed a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess the function and blood flow to the heart under stress, typically induced either by exercise or medication. This test involves the injection of a small amount of radioactive material that helps visualize the blood flow to the heart muscle during rest and stress conditions, allowing healthcare providers to identify any areas that may not be receiving adequate blood supply.

In contrast, cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves threading a catheter through blood vessels to the heart to obtain diagnostic images and perform interventions. An echocardiogram and MRI of the heart, while also considered non-invasive, primarily focus on producing images of the heart's structure and function rather than assessing blood flow during stress. Therefore, the nuclear stress test is distinct in its specific function and approach to evaluating cardiac health.