Cardiac CT scan
Heart CT scan[edit | edit source]
- A computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels.
- This test is called a coronary calcium scan when it is done to see if you have a buildup of calcium in your heart arteries.
- It is called CT angiography if it is done to look at the arteries that bring blood to your heart.
- This test evaluates if there is narrowing or a blockage in those arteries.
- The test is sometimes done in combination with scans of the aorta or pulmonary arteries to look for problems with those structures.
How the Test is Performed[edit | edit source]
- You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.
- You will lie on your back with your head and feet outside the scanner on either end.
- Small patches, called electrodes are put on your chest and connected to a machine that records your heart's electrical activity. You may be given medicine to slow your heart rate.
- Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you.
- A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices.
- These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film.
- 3D (three-dimensional) models of the heart can be created.
- You must be still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.
- The entire scan should only take about 10 minutes.
How the Test will Feel[edit | edit source]
Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.
Contrast given through an IV may cause a:
- Slight burning sensation
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Warm flushing of the body
- These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.
Why the Test is Performed[edit | edit source]
CT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the heart and its arteries. The test may diagnose or detect:
- Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries to determine your risk for heart disease
- Congenital heart disease (heart problems that are present at birth)
- Problems with the heart valves
- Blockage of the arteries that supply the heart
- Tumors or masses of the heart
- Pumping function of the heart
Normal Results[edit | edit source]
- Results are considered normal if the heart and arteries being examined are normal in appearance.
- Your "calcium score" is based on the amount of calcium found in the arteries of your heart.
- The test is normal (negative) if your calcium score is 0.
- This means the chance of having a heart attack over the next several years is very low.
- If the calcium score is very low, you are unlikely to have coronary artery disease.
What Abnormal Results Mean[edit | edit source]
Abnormal results may be due to:
- Aneurysm
- Congenital heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve problems
- Inflammation of the covering around the heart (pericarditis)
- Narrowing of one or more coronary arteries (coronary artery stenosis)
- Tumors or other masses of the heart or surrounding areas
If your calcium score is high:
- It means you have calcium buildup in the walls of your coronary arteries. This is usually a sign of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
- The higher your score, the more severe this problem may be.
- Talk to your provider about lifestyle changes you can make to decrease the risk for heart disease.
Risks[edit | edit source]
Risks for CT scans include:
- Being exposed to radiation
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye
- CT scans do expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays.
- Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer.
- However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your provider should weigh this risk against the benefits of getting a correct diagnosis for a medical problem.
- Some people have allergies to contrast dye.
- Let your provider know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
- The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine.
- If a person with an iodine allergy is given this type of contrast, nausea or vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives may occur.
- If you absolutely must be given such contrast, you may need to take steroids (such as prednisone) or antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) before the test. You may also need to take a histamine blocker (such as ranitidine).
- The kidneys help remove iodine out of the body.
- Those with kidney disease or diabetes may need to receive extra fluids after the test to help flush the iodine out of the body.
- Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis.
- If you have any trouble breathing during the test, you should notify the scanner operator immediately.
- Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.
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