Cardiac Computerized Axial Tomography

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A cardiac computed tomography is a test that is used to take pictures of your heart. It is also called a cardiac CT. This test is done using x-rays and a computer. The CT scan machine is shaped like a large ring, and has a table that goes through it. A cardiac CT may be done with or without contrast (dye). Dye is a type of liquid that is put into your blood vessels. The dye helps caregivers see problems with your heart and it's blood vessels.
  
  
• A cardiac CT done for calcium scoring can show if you are at risk of having a heart attack. Certain heart conditions can cause chest pain or trouble breathing. A cardiac CT may show the cause of these symptoms. If you have had other heart tests, a cardiac CT can help explain the results of those tests. It may also be done before heart surgery to help caregivers plan the surgery. A cardiac CT can show a heart problem that may need treatment. It can also help you and your caregiver decide on a treatment plan if one is needed.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• There is a small chance that x-rays may put you at higher risk of getting cancer. A cardiac CT may not show certain heart problems. The results of the scan may show a problem that is not really there. If you use a medical device such as a pacemaker, it may not work right during or after your CT scan. Your kidneys may be damaged by dye, if it is used during your CT scan. You are at a higher risk of this happening if you have diabetes or kidney disease. You may have an allergic reaction to the dye.
  
  
• If you do not have a cardiac CT, a heart problem may not be found. The heart problem may not be treated as it should be. Your signs and symptoms such as chest pain may get worse, and you may even die. Talk to your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your CT scan.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your test:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• ECG: This test, also called an EKG, records the electrical activity in your heart muscle. It may be used before a cardiac CT to show damage in areas of your heart. Caregivers may need to shave hair off of body areas where the electrodes will go. The electrodes are sticky pads that may be placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Each sticky pad has a wire that is hooked to a machine or TV-type screen.
  
  
• IV: An IV is a tube that is placed in your vein. It is used to give you medicine and liquids. If dye is used for your CT scan, it is given through your IV.
  
  
• Medicines: Medicine may also be used to decrease your chances of kidney damage. Your caregiver may also give you one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Beta-blocker: This medicine slows down your heart beat. Having a slower heart beat will help the CT machine take better pictures of your heart.
    
    
  • Nitroglycerin: This medicine makes your blood vessels bigger so that they can be seen well during the CT scan.
    
    
  • Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease your risk for an allergic reaction to the dye.
  
  
• Medical devices: A cardiac CT may make devices such as a pacemaker or drug infusion pump stop working correctly. Tell caregivers if you use a medical device. You may need to turn it off before your test.

During your test:

In some cases, you may have an EKG test while you are having the cardiac CT. You are taken to a room where the CT machine is. The machine may be noisy. For the scan, you will be lying down on a movable table that is pushed into the CT machine. Dye may be given through your IV. As it is given, you may feel warm all over. You may also feel pain at the area where your IV is placed. During the scan, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. Lie very still during the scan. The scan may take ten minutes or less.

After your test:

If you use a device such as a pacemaker or infusion pump, caregivers will check to see that it is working as it should. Caregivers will check your blood pressure and heartbeat after your cardiac CT. If dye was used, you may have blood tests to check your kidneys. Ask your caregiver when you may go home. Ask him when you will be told the results of your cardiac CT. Do not drive for three hours after having your cardiac CT.

Learn more about Cardiac Computerized Axial Tomography (Inpatient Care)