A heart CT scan, also known as a cardiac CT scan, is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects.
What Does a CT Scan of the Heart Show?
A heart CT scan can show the size and shape of the heart, as well as the size, shape, and location of any blockages in the coronary arteries. It can also show the structure of the heart valves, the walls of the heart chambers, and any areas of the heart that have been damaged by a heart attack.
When Would This Procedure Be Needed?
A heart CT scan may be recommended if you have symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. It may also be used to diagnose or monitor other heart conditions, such as heart valve problems or congenital heart defects.
Who Performs a Cardiac CT Scan?
A cardiac CT scan is usually performed by a radiologist or cardiologist. The radiologist will use a special X-ray machine to take pictures of your heart.
How Does a Cardiac CT Scan Work?
During a cardiac CT scan, you will lie on a table while the X-ray machine takes pictures of your heart. The X-rays pass through your body and are detected by the machine, which creates a detailed image of your heart.
Cardiac MRI vs. Cardiac CT
Cardiac MRI and cardiac CT are both imaging tests used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart, while cardiac CT uses X-rays. Both tests are safe and effective, but cardiac MRI is more expensive and may not be available in all areas.
How Do I Prepare for the Test?
Food and Drink
You should not eat or drink anything for at least four hours before the test.
Medicines
You should tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be stopped or adjusted before the test.
What to Expect on the Date of the Test
On the day of the test, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or metal objects that may interfere with the X-ray images. You may also be asked to wear a hospital gown.
Prepping for Your Cardiac CT Scan
Before the test, you may be given a contrast agent, which is a dye that helps the X-ray images to be more detailed. You may also be given a medicine that slows down your heart rate.
What Should I Expect During the Test?
During the test, you will lie on a table while the X-ray machine takes pictures of your heart. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.
What to Expect After the Test
After the test, you can go home and resume your normal activities. You may experience some mild side effects from the contrast agent or the medicine used to slow your heart rate, but these should go away within a few hours.
What Are the Risks of This Test?
Contrast Agent (Dye)
The contrast agent used in a cardiac CT scan can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Radiation
The X-rays used in a cardiac CT scan can expose you to a small amount of radiation. However, the amount of radiation is very low and is not considered to be dangerous.
Medicine That Slows Down Your Heart Rate
The medicine used to slow your heart rate can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure.
What Type of Results Do You Get and What Do the Results Mean?
The results of a cardiac CT scan will be interpreted by a doctor. Normal results mean that there are no blockages or other abnormalities in the heart or its blood vessels. Abnormal results may indicate the presence of blockages or other abnormalities.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
If you experience any side effects from the contrast agent or the medicine used to slow your heart rate, you should call your doctor.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cardiac CT scan. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-ct-scan/about/pac-20384717
- American Heart Association. (2020). Cardiac CT scan. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-ct-scan
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Cardiac CT scan. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-ct-scan
Keywords: heart CT scan, cardiac CT scan, X-rays, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, cardiac MRI, contrast agent, radiation, medicine, results.