Cardiac CT

Cardiac CT is a quick, non-invasive scan that produces detailed images of the heart and arteries. It's used to detect heart disease, calcium build-up and assess overall heart health.

CT scanning provides rapid, detailed imaging of the coronary arteries and heart structures, offering valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning with minimal patient discomfort.

What is a Cardiac CT?

A Cardiac CT scan is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. It is commonly used to detect coronary artery disease, measure calcium buildup in the arteries (calcium scoring), and evaluate the heart’s anatomy. It can help diagnose blockages, congenital defects, or structural abnormalities, and is also used to plan procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery. Cardiac CT is fast, highly detailed, and often used when other tests are inconclusive or to assess heart disease risk in people with chest pain or other symptoms.

How a Cardiac CT Works

During a cardiac CT scan, you lie on a table that moves through a large, ring-shaped scanner. The X-ray tube rotates around your body, taking hundreds of images from different angles in just seconds. Advanced computer processing creates detailed cross-sectional images of your heart and coronary arteries. Contrast dye may be injected to highlight blood vessels and improve image clarity.

What to Expect When Receiving a Cardiac CT

Before Your Appointment: Your doctor may ask you to avoid caffeine and food for a few hours before the scan. You might be given medicine to slow your heart rate, which helps produce clearer images. If contrast dye is used, a small cannula will be placed in your arm. Remove all metal objects, including jewellery before the scan.

During Your Appointment: The scan itself takes just 10-20 minutes. You'll lie still on the scanner table and may be asked to hold your breath for short periods. If contrast dye is used, you might feel a brief warm sensation throughout your body. The scanner makes whirring sounds as it operates, but the procedure is entirely painless.

After Your Appointment: You can resume normal activities immediately. If contrast was used, drinking plenty of fluids helps eliminate it from your system. Results are typically available within 24-48 hours. In urgent cases, preliminary findings may be discussed the same day.

Risks and Complications of a Cardiac CT

Cardiac CT is very safe for most people, using a low dose of radiation. The diagnostic benefits almost always outweigh the small theoretical risk. If contrast dye is needed, your care team will check kidney function to ensure safety. Allergic reactions to contrast are rare but possible, affecting less than 1% of patients. Our team is fully trained to manage any reactions that might occur.

How to Recover Following a Cardiac CT

No recovery time is needed after a cardiac CT scan. You can drive home immediately and return to all normal activities, including work and exercise. If contrast was used, staying well-hydrated helps flush it from your system. Watch for any delayed reactions and contact your healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms, though these are extremely rare.

References

• NHS. CT Scan
• British Heart Foundation. Heart Scans
• European Society of Cardiology. Cardiac CT Guidelines