Tag: cardiac CT scan

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Everything You Need to Know About CT Angiograms

A CT angiogram is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the blood vessels in your body. It is also known as a computed tomography (CT) angiogram or a CT coronary angiogram. This test is used to diagnose and evaluate a variety of conditions, including blockages in the arteries, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases.

What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?

A CT coronary angiogram is a type of CT angiogram that is used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease. It is used to detect blockages in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Why Might I Need a CT Angiogram?

Your doctor may recommend a CT angiogram if you have symptoms of a vascular condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain. It can also be used to evaluate the results of a traditional angiogram (or cardiac catheterization) or to monitor the progress of a vascular condition.

What is the Difference Between a CT Angiogram and a Traditional Angiogram (or Cardiac Catheterization)?

A traditional angiogram (or cardiac catheterization) is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into an artery in your arm or leg and then injecting a contrast dye into the artery. The dye helps the doctor see the blood vessels on an X-ray. A CT angiogram is a non-invasive procedure that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the blood vessels.

What is the Difference Between a Cardiac CT Scan and a CT Coronary Angiogram?

A cardiac CT scan is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. A CT coronary angiogram is a type of CT angiogram that is used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.

Who Performs a CT Angiogram?

A CT angiogram is usually performed by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in medical imaging.

How Do I Prepare for a CT Angiogram?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your CT angiogram. Generally, you will be asked to fast for several hours before the test and to avoid caffeine and other stimulants. You may also be asked to wear a hospital gown and to remove any jewelry or metal objects.

What to Expect on the Day of the CT Angiogram?

On the day of the CT angiogram, you will be asked to lie on a table and the technician will position you so that the area of your body being examined is in the center of the scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the scan is being done.

What to Expect During a CT Angiogram?

During the CT angiogram, you may feel a slight pressure as the table moves through the scanner. You may also hear a humming or buzzing sound as the scanner takes pictures. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.

What to Expect After a CT Angiogram?

After the CT angiogram, you can usually go home and resume your normal activities. You may experience some mild side effects, such as nausea or fatigue, but these should go away within a few hours.

What are the Risks of a CT Angiogram?

CT angiograms are generally safe, but there is a small risk of radiation exposure. There is also a risk of allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in the procedure.

Who Shouldn’t Get a CT Angiogram?

CT angiograms are not recommended for pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease. Your doctor will discuss any potential risks with you before the procedure.

When Should I Know the Results of the Test?

Your doctor will discuss the results of the CT angiogram with you. Generally, the results are available within a few days.

References

  • American College of Radiology. (2020). CT Angiography (CTA). Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Patients/Imaging-Exams/CT-Angiography-CTA
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). CT Angiogram. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-angiogram/about/pac-20384790
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). CT Angiogram. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ct-angiogram

Keywords: CT angiogram, CT coronary angiogram, computed tomography, X-rays, traditional angiogram, cardiac catheterization, cardiac CT scan, vascular condition, coronary artery disease, contrast dye.

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Everything You Need to Know About a Heart CT Scan

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.