Having a cardiac CT scan of your heart in Hillcrest, Bardonia, Spring Valley, New City, New Square, Nyack, NY, and the surrounding areas provides for a high-quality, three-dimensional view of your heart as well as the surrounding structures. There are a variety of reasons why our team at Cardiology of Hudson Valley would want to have a patient do a cardiac CT scan, including evaluating the cause of chest pain or shortness of breath, assess heart valves, to plan for heart surgery, and other needs. While the CT scan itself lasts only about 10 minutes, the entire procedure can take up to an hour, including preparation time. This is enough time to get a good view of the heart as it works, along with the arteries and veins around the heart. Contact our team today to learn more about having a cardiac CT scan for your heart.
Procedure of a Cardiac CT Scan
Patients will be lying flat on a table that will move them into position in the CT scanner. The patient will need to raise their arms over their head for the duration of the scan in order to ensure the best visuals from the scan. Contrast dye may be used to help the blood vessels and heart stand out better. You will also likely have electrodes stuck to your chest to monitor the electrical activity of your heart as well.
During the test itself the patient will be awake, and it is crucial that the patient remain as still as possible. You will be in communication with those administering the test, and the patient may be instructed to hold their breath for a period of time in order to help get the clearest images. This is a non-invasive test that provides great detail, and the patient can go home after the procedure is complete.
Prepping For the Test
For the best test results, there are a few things that your provider will have you do. First is to refrain from eating 4 to 6 hours before the test itself, though drinking water is fine. Patients should also avoid drinking any caffeine both the day of as well as the day before your test, as this can throw off the results of the test. Do not take any energy or diet pills the day of or day before your test as well, again for best test results.
The goal of the cardiac CT scan in Hillcrest, Bardonia, Spring Valley, New City, New Square, Nyack, NY, and the surrounding areas is to determine how your body operates normally so that issues can be spotted. Working with our team at Cardiology of Hudson Valley will determine if a cardiac CT scan is warranted for each patient. This test is very low risk yet provides a high degree of information to help with any heart issues. Contact our team to learn more about having a cardiac CT scan.