Cardiac CT: What to Expect
Knowing what to expect can make your heart scan feel less daunting. Coronary CT angiography creates detailed pictures of the arteries supplying your heart, helping guide decisions about prevention and treatment. Your team will explain the scan and answer your questions.
Before your scan
Follow the imaging department’s instructions about food, caffeine and medicines. Do not stop medication unless your care team advises you to. Tell the team about previous contrast reactions, kidney problems, asthma, diabetes, possible pregnancy and all medicines you take, including medicines for erectile dysfunction. A kidney function blood test may be needed.
During your scan
ECG stickers monitor your heartbeat, and a small cannula is placed in a vein in your arm. If appropriate, medication may be used to slow your heart rate and temporarily widen the coronary arteries for clearer images.
You lie on a table that moves through a short, ring-shaped scanner. You will be asked to hold your breath briefly while pictures are taken. The images themselves take only a short time, although preparation and monitoring make the appointment longer.
Comfort and safety
Contrast injected through the cannula can cause a brief warm feeling. Tell the team if you feel unwell. CT uses X-rays; the benefits and radiation exposure are considered before recommending the test, and the dose is kept as low as appropriate. This scan does not involve passing a catheter into the heart arteries or placing a stent.
After your scan and results
Most patients go home after a short observation period. Follow your team’s advice about medicines, fluids, driving and normal activities, especially if medication was given. The images are reviewed, and your cardiologist will explain the findings and any next steps.
Discuss your heart care
Book through Mediclinic and search for Dr. Mohammad Felo, or use the Mediclinic app.
This is general information. Your instructions will be tailored to your health and the planned scan.
Further reading: Cambridge University Hospitals: Cardiac CT angiogram and Royal Free London: Having a cardiac CT scan.