Working on an engine is difficult when it is running, and this is the same issue that doctors in Montebello, Mt. Ivy, New Hempstead, Orangeburg, Palisades, Pearl River, NY, and the surrounding areas have when trying to work on a patient’s heart. More and better ways of looking inside of a human body are being developed, and one option that we at Cardiology of Hudson Valley like to use is cardiac CT scanning. This imaging technique provides a way to look inside of a patient and see how their heart is performing, as well as to be able to see potential problem areas around the heart or blockages in arteries around the heart. This is a non-invasive option that works for many patients and gives our doctor the knowledge that he needs to help provide the best care for your heart. The cardiac CT scan provides a 3D rendering of your heart and surrounding arteries and is a great step in helping to diagnose and treat health issues related to your heart. Contact our team today to learn more about cardiac CT scans and how they could help with your heart health.
Reasons That a Cardiac CT Scan Is Ordered
You might be wondering just when a cardiac CT scan would be ordered for a patient, and there are several important cases where this procedure is recommended and will provide important information and details. Often it is used when a patient complains of chest pain or has shortness of breath. Other times it is used to check arteries for calcium or plaque buildup. Assessing heart valves and even checking for a congenital heart problem are other reasons.
Another reason for the use of this procedure could be to provide more information related to an upcoming procedure. Heart ablation procedures, planning for a heart surgery or valve procedures, or to follow up on these procedures to check for any complications also call for using this cardiac CT scan. And because it is relatively fast, results can be obtained quickly.
Test Preparation Instructions
Patients undergoing a cardiac CT scan should refrain from eating any food for several hours before the scan and should also avoid caffeinated drinks as this will make it more difficult to get good imaging of your heart. Medications should be reviewed with the doctor as well to ensure they won’t interfere with the scan. While the full procedure may take between 30 and 60 minutes, the scan itself should only take about 10 minutes.
Having a cardiac CT scan might sound scary, but it is a noninvasive testing procedure that can reveal important information about your heart health. Cardiology of Hudson Valley can explain how this test can benefit your specific situation, and the results will be shared with you and what it all means for your current and future heart health. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with our cardiologist.