Cardiac CT Scan

A cardiac CT scan is an advanced non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique. Doctors use this imaging to get detailed three dimensional heart images to understand heart anatomy and detect coronary artery disease. This technology helps doctors review bypass grafts or stents & check heart function. Additionally, it offers lower radiation exposure with sub-millisievert doses that make the procedure safer for patients. Modern 64 slice systems have improved the test's accuracy significantly.

This article explains what a Cardiac CT scan is, how to prepare for this procedure and what abnormal results mean.

What is a Cardiac CT Scan?

A cardiac CT scan uses powerful X-ray beams combined with sophisticated computer processing. This creates detailed three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels. The Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography suggests using a 64-slice scanner or better for these examinations. You will lie on a table that slides into a donut-shaped machine during the procedure. The scanner takes multiple images from different angles and assembles them into a complete picture of your heart's structure.

The scan's Agatston score works as an early risk assessment tool. A score above 160 indicates a higher risk for major adverse cardiac events. This data helps doctors create targeted treatment plans based on each patient's risk level.

When Should You Get the Cardiac CT Test Done?

Doctors usually recommend cardiac CT scans before heart surgeries, valve procedures, or treatments for irregular heartbeats. Doctors suggest a Cardiac CT in the following conditions:

• Unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
• Symptoms that point to possible coronary artery disease
• Unclear or inconclusive stress test results

Why Do I Need a Cardiac CT Scan

This advanced imaging helps doctors:

• Find calcium or plaque buildup in the coronary arteries
• Spot narrowing or blockages that affect blood flow
• Check heart valves and surrounding structures
• Look for potential aneurysms in your aorta
• Check for congenital heart problems
• See tumours or masses in or around your heart

Detailed images from a cardiac CT scan help your doctor make accurate diagnoses and develop better treatment plans for various heart conditions.

Procedure for Cardiac CT Scan

Your doctor will record hear rate and blood pressure before the test. During the test:

• You will lie down on a table and the medical staff will place an IV line.
• They give iodinated contrast injection through the IV line.
• The technician attaches the ECG electrodes to the chest and connects them to the activity measuring machine.
• The technician advises following specific breathing instructions.
• The CT table moves through the donut-shaped scanner and 3D images of the heart (slices) are obtained within a few seconds.

How to Prepare for the Cardiac CT scan?

Your doctor will review your medical history and check for allergies to medications or iodine. Here's what you need to do before your cardiac examination:

• Do not eat for 4-6 hours before your appointment (water is permitted)
• Stay away from caffeine-containing drinks for 12 hours before the test
• Keep your jewellery and metal objects at home
• Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise

Diabetic patients should check with their physician about medication adjustments on test day.

Values of Cardiac CT scan Results

A healthy result shows normal arteries with a calcium score of zero. This shows no coronary artery disease and a low risk of heart attack in the next 2-5 years. The scoring scale ranges from 0 to over 400. This shows:

• 0: No evidence of coronary artery disease
• 1-10: Minimal evidence
• 11-100: Mild evidence
• 101-400: Moderate evidence

What Abnormal Results Mean

Any score above 0 suggests calcium buildup in your arteries. A score over 400 is a big deal as it means extensive evidence of coronary artery disease. This requires immediate medical attention. Abnormal findings might also reveal:

• Narrowing of the coronary arteries (stenosis)
• Heart valve problems
• Aneurysms or arterial tears
• Congenital heart issues
• Pericardial disease or inflammation

Your physician might recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or additional cardiac testing based on your results.

Conclusion

Cardiac CT scans provide detailed 3D images that help doctors identify heart problems early. Patients worried about heart health benefit from this quick, non-invasive test. Modern systems now create sharper images and use less radiation than previous versions.

Your calcium score reveals crucial information about your heart's health- zero indicates excellent heart health, whereas higher scores indicate you need medical attention.

These detailed images help medical teams develop individual-specific treatment plans based on your condition. This technology has without doubt improved how doctors handle heart care. Diagnosis happens faster and treatments are more precise. Patients now understand their cardiac health better and see clearer treatment options than before.

FAQs

1. What happens if a Cardiac CT is positive?

Your scan results are positive when calcium shows up in your coronary arteries. This shows you have coronary artery disease. Your doctor will give you a number that reflects the amount of calcium detected. The scores can range from 0 to over 1000. Higher numbers point to greater risk. These scores mean:

• 1-10: Minimal plaque; low risk
• 11-100: Mild plaque; moderate risk
• 101-400: Moderate plaque; most important risk
• Over 400: Extensive plaque; high risk

2. What happens if a Cardiac CT is negative?

Good news comes with a negative result (calcium score of 0). Your coronary arteries have no detectable calcified plaque. Your risk of having a heart attack stays very low for the next two to five years without evidence of coronary artery disease.

3. How to prepare for a Cardiac CT Scan?

Before your appointment:

• Avoid food 4-6 hours before (water is fine)
• Skip caffeine for 12 hours beforehand
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal
• Continue regular medications unless told otherwise
• Let your doctor know about allergies or kidney issues

4. Is a Cardiac CT scan painful?

The procedure causes no pain and remains non-invasive. You'll lie still on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped scanner. Minor discomfort might occur from staying still or holding your breath briefly during imaging.

5. Is it better to have a high or a low Cardiac CT test?

Lower scores are better! Zero represents the best possible result. Your heart disease risk increases with higher scores. More calcium buildup in your arteries leads to higher numbers, which typically suggests atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Your doctor will review these results along with other risk factors to determine your next steps.

6. What is a normal Cardiac CT Scan level?

A normal cardiac CT scan score is zero. Doctors call this a negative scan because they find no calcification in your heart's arteries. This result means you have minimal risk of a heart attack.

7. What not to do before a Cardiac CT Scan?

Your scan needs these preparations:

• No food 4-6 hours before your appointment, but water is fine
• Stay away from caffeine 12 hours before - this means no coffee, tea, or energy drinks
• Skip energy or diet pills on test day
• Don't take stimulating medications (like medicines for erectile dysfunction) the day before or on the day of the exam

8. How long does a Cardiac CT Scan take?

You should plan for 30-60 minutes, though the actual scan takes just 10-15 minutes. Here's what happens:

• You will spend 10-15 minutes checking in and changing clothes
• The scan needs about 10 seconds while you hold your breath
• After the scan, you will need 5-10 minutes to wrap up

9. Which is better, a CT scan or an angiogram?

Each test serves its own purpose. A cardiac CT scan offers non-invasive imaging and works best to rule out coronary artery disease in patients with low to moderate risk. Traditional angiograms remain the gold standard to detect blockages and let doctors treat problems right away if found.