What to Expect From a Cardiac CT Scan

What Is a Cardiac CT Scan?

A cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of medical imaging that uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your heart. Think of it like looking at individual slices of your heart, which can be combined to form a 3D model.

This technology allows our doctors to see your coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to your heart muscle. The scan can detect any narrowing or blockage caused by plaque buildup. This type of scan is sometimes called a coronary artery calcium scan when it’s specifically used to measure the amount of calcified plaque in your arteries.

Why You May Need a Cardiac CT Scan

A cardiac CT scan is a powerful tool for diagnosing and managing heart conditions. Your doctor may recommend it for reasons including:

• To Check for Coronary Artery Disease – If you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, a scan can help determine if blocked arteries are the cause.
• To Assess Your Risk of a Heart Attack – A coronary artery calcium scan can measure the amount of plaque in your arteries. A higher calcium score may mean a higher risk of future heart problems.
• To Plan for a Procedure – If you need a heart procedure like a stent or bypass surgery, a CT scan can provide your surgeon with a detailed map of your coronary arteries.
• To Check on Previous Treatments – The scan can be used to see if a stent is still open or if a bypass graft is working correctly.

How to Prepare for Your Cardiac CT Scan

Proper preparation is essential for getting clear images of your heart. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines for heart CT scan preparation:

• Avoid Caffeine and Nicotine – You may be asked to avoid caffeinated drinks and smoking for at least four hours before your scan. These substances can increase your heart rate, which can make the images blurry.
• Fasting – You might be told not to eat for a few hours before the procedure. You can usually drink water.
• Medications – Inform your doctor about all the medications you’re taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain types before the scan. In some cases, you might also be given a beta-blocker to help slow your heart rate for the scan.
• Clothing and Jewellery – Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You’ll need to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery, glasses, and hearing aids, as metal can interfere with the CT images.

Risks of a Cardiac CT Scan Procedure

Cardiac CT scans are generally very safe. However, like any medical procedure, there are some minor heart CT scan risks to be aware of:

• Radiation Exposure – CT scans use X-rays, which involve a small amount of radiation. The dose is low, and the benefit of an accurate diagnosis usually outweighs the risk.
• Contrast Dye Reaction – Some cardiac CT scans use an iodine-based contrast dye, which is injected into a vein to make your blood vessels more visible. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to the dye.

What Happens During a Heart CT Scan?

The cardiac CT scan procedure is quick and painless. Here’s what you can expect:

• Preparation – A radiographer will place small electrodes on your chest. They’re connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, which monitors your heart’s electrical activity during the scan. This helps the scanner take pictures at the right moments between heartbeats.
• Positioning – You’ll lie on your back on a narrow table that slides into the centre of the large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner.
• Contrast Dye – If your scan requires it, a contrast dye will be injected through an intravenous (IV) line, usually in the arm. You might feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth, both of which are normal and temporary.
• Scan – The table will move you through the scanner, which will rotate around you, taking pictures. You’ll need to lie very still and may be asked to hold your breath for short periods to prevent blurry images. The radiographer will communicate with you via an intercom throughout the process, which typically lasts about 15 minutes.

Cardiac CT Scan Aftercare Instructions

After the scan is complete, you should be able to go home and resume your normal activities immediately. If you were given a beta-blocker, you might be advised to have someone drive you home. If contrast dye was used, you’ll be encouraged to drink plenty of water to help flush it out of your system.

What Your Cardiac CT Scan Can Show Us

A radiologist will review the results of your scan before writing a report for the doctor who referred you. Your doctor will then discuss the results during a follow-up appointment. The scan can provide valuable information about your heart’s health and help guide your future care.

Sussex Premier Health offers comprehensive cardiac computed tomography in the UK. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team will provide the highest quality of care. If you’ve been referred for non-invasive coronary imaging, we’ll ensure your experience is comfortable and informative.