Hear Elizabeth’s story and how a Cardiac CT scan with Dr. Banypersad helped her:
Who would benefit from a Cardiac CT?
Any adult patient:
- Any patient with chest pain or breathlessness
- Patients who have had bypass surgery
Who may not be suitable, and are there any disadvantages?
This is not an exhaustive list:
- Irregular heart rhythms may yield an indeterminate scan result
- Imaging in patients with renal function eGFR < 30ml/min is generally best avoided
- CT coronary angiograms are best avoided in patients with significant asthma because of the need to administer intravenous β-blocker medication (IV Metoprolol).
NB: Patients taking regular prescribed β-blocker medication are fine.
Find out more about Cardiac CT scans
What does a Cardiac CT involve?
You will lie on a bed which moves into a donut-shaped machine which is the CT scanner. Before moving into the scanner, a cannula will be inserted into your vein and ECG electrodes attached to your chest. Some intravenous beta-blocker medication (called Metoprolol – this slows the heart rate by a few beats per minute in order to improve picture quality) will be administered through the cannula and 1-2 nitrate tablets to suck under your tongue (called GTN or glyceryl trinitrate – this widens the coronary arteries to improve visualisation of any cholesterol inside them).
The bed then moves into the CT scanner, you will receive some breathing instructions and the dye substance is then injected through the cannula. The pictures of the heart are taken within a few seconds of this (taking the pictures itself takes only a few seconds) and the scan is complete.
How long does a Cardiac CT take?
It is very quick. The scan is only a few seconds in duration. In reality, more time is taken in the preparation for the scan.
What happens after my CT scan?
You will be observed for 10-15 mins after the scan to ensure heart rate and blood pressure remain stable and then you can go home. There are no other restrictions after the scan.
Is a Cardiac CT scan safe?
Yes. Adverse reactions to the dye substance are rare. Cardiac CT scans do involve radiation but the radiation dose is 5-6 times smaller than for CT scans of other body parts e.g. head or abdomen. Patients with severe kidney disease or severe asthma should seek clarification first.
