What Is a CT Scan for Heart Disease?

A cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan produces three-dimensional images of the heart from different angles using multiple x-ray beams. These high-quality images also capture the vessels and the surrounding structure of the heart.

CT Scans for heart diseases use advanced technology that enhances the visualization of the heart structure and the surrounding blood vessels. It may or may not use an intravenous contrast to produce these high-quality visuals.

There may be different names for the CT Scan for heart diseases. A coronary CT angiogram analyzes the arteries that take blood to the heart. On the other hand, to determine a calcium build-up in the heart, a coronary calcium scan may be necessary.

Heart Diseases It Helps Reveals

Your doctor may suggest a CT Scan of the heart in case they suspect the following conditions:

  • Birth defects in the heart
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Any injury or defect in the primary valves of the heart
  • Blood clots in the heart’s chambers
  • Tumors in the heart developing lipid plaque that may be causing a blockage in the coronary arteries

For people who are experiencing heart problems, a CT scan is a common test. It allows the doctor to study the heart structure and surrounding blood vessels without any incisions.

What Parts of the Heart a CT Scan Shows

When you have a CT Scan to rule out any heart diseases, then it gives images of the following parts of the heart:

  • Muscles, valves, and chambers of the heart
  • Pulmonary veins
  • Coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart
  • The sac around the heart
  • Thoracic aorta

When Do You Need A Full Body CT Scan For The Heart?

A full body CT scan of the heart is conducted to reveal more information and detail about the heart’s structure and working. It is more comprehensive as compared to other kinds of diagnostic imaging tests. A cardiac CT scan will be required in the following situations.

  • To evaluate shortness of breath and the cause of chest pain
  • To perform an assessment of the heart valves
  • To analyze suspected problems with the aorta
  • To plan a robotic or minimally invasive heart surgery
  • To prepare for percutaneous or transcatheter valve procedures
  • To prepare for arrhythmia ablation procedures
  • To assess the extent of complications with the procedures

Who Conducts A Heart CT Scan?

A cardiologist normally suggests a cardiac CT scan. However, a separate healthcare team conducts the scan. The team may include the following:

  • Technicians control the CT scanner during the test
  • Nurses who administer the medication and plan an IV line
  • Doctors who oversee the scan and interpret the results

You can have a cardiac full-body CT scan at a hospital or a diagnostic imaging test facility that offers a CT scan in New Jersey.

Risks Associated With A Heart CT Scan

The heart CT scan carries with it a few risks. These are as follows:

Contrast Dye

CT scans use contrast material or dye to produce high-quality images. The kidneys flush the dyes which contain iodine. However, people with certain diseases or infections, such as diabetes, may need to drink extra fluid to flush the dye from the kidneys. However, with advancements in healthcare, newer dyes don’t pose as much risk to the kidneys.

In case a patient experiences a mild, moderate, or severe allergic or adverse reaction to iodine-based materials, it must be brought to the physicians’ attention. Following are some symptoms you should immediately let your doctor know about:

  • Feeling itching or skin flushing
  • Experiencing severe hives or skin rashes
  • Having difficulty breathing or a cardiac arrest

People who have previously had a reaction to iodine-based materials are at a greater risk of experiencing such a reaction again. Your body can also adversely respond to a large amount of contrast material given in the past 24 hours.

Other risks associated with a heart CT scan include taking medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, undergoing dehydration, and certain health conditions such as a thyroid disorder or sickle cell anemia.

Radiation

As with other kinds of diagnostic imaging tests, a CT scan also involves exposure to radiation. Radiation is typically harmless, but in women who are pregnant or could be pregnant, it becomes an important issue. Radiation levels are generally considered safe for adults, but low levels of radiation for a developing fetus may have some effects.

How To Prepare For The Scan

There are some preparations regarding what you can eat and drink and the medications you should withhold before and on the day of the scan. Let’s take a look at these below:

  • It is advisable to avoid eating or drinking on the day of the exam from four to six hours before the appointment. However, you can drink water.
  • You should avoid caffeinated drinks on the previous day and the day before the exam. These include caffeinated sodas, tea, coffee, and energy drinks.
  • Similarly, you should avoid taking diet or energy pills the previous day and the day of the scan. In case of questions, you should ask your physician.
  • You can ask your healthcare provider for medicine if you feel nervous in tight spaces. It can help relax you for the scan.
  • Make sure you communicate all the medicines you take to your healthcare provider.
  • Ensure you are not taking sildenafil or a similar medication, as it’s not compatible with the ones you will get on the day of the scan.
  • In case you have diabetes, you should discuss your medication with your physician. Moreover, if you experience low blood sugar, let them know immediately.

What To Expect Before The Scan

You will visit a diagnostic imaging center or a hospital for your cardiac CT scan. Before the procedure, you may be given a beta-blocker that will slow your heart down to produce clear images. To record the scan, electrodes are placed on your chest, and an IV is inserted in your vein to inject the radioactive dye.

The technician will ask you to lie down in a specific position. To ensure quality images, the technician will ensure you stay in place with straps or pillows. You will likely have to hold your breath for individual scans of 10-20 seconds.

What To Expect After The Scan

The results of the CT scan don’t take too long to arrive. After the scan, you can go about your day. The dye will naturally flush out from your system; however, drinking more water will speed up the process.

Depending on your test results, the doctor will recommend a treatment, lifestyle changes, or a procedure that will allow you to lead a healthy life. You may also be required to get some follow-up tests, such as coronary catheterization and a stress test.

Conclusion

A cardiac CT scan is nothing to worry about. Timely done, it can protect you from a serious illness. However, remember to wear comfortable clothing on the day of the exam and remove the jewelry and other metal items from your body. If a sedative has not been given, you can easily drive back home.