What is Cardiac CT?
Cardiac CT uses x-rays to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. It may be used to see whether you have a build-up of calcium in your arteries. Global Cardiology became the first private cardiology practice in Australia to start using this advanced technology in September 2018.
Global Cardiology coronary CTCA offers additional detailed information to calcium scoring. It provides images and precise information about plaques, blockages and the structure of the heart.
Advantages of CTCA:
- Quick, painless, out patient procedure
- Non-invaside and safe
- Reliable and accurate
BEFORE THE TEST
- Please make sure you are well hydrated – please drink 2 litres of water, 2 hours prior
- Please fast from food for 2 hours prior to the test (you can keep drinking water)
- No smoking for 12 hours prior
- No caffeine products (coffee, tea, soft drink, energy drink etc) for 24 hours prior
- Do not use Viagra / Cialis or similar medication for 24 hours prior
DURING THE TEST
Your scan will take approximately 15 minutes, but you will need to allow 1 hour as we need to take your medical history, place a cannula (a thin plastic tube, similar to a flexible needle) into your vein and monitor you before and after the test.
Commonly we will administer a medication (usually a beta-blocker) to slow your heart rate and give you a spray under the tongue (GTN) to obtain the best quality pictures of your heart. During the scan a contrast agent will be injected through the cannula, which will give you a hot flush sensation.
The CT scanner is a large machine that has a hollow, circular tube in the center. You will lie on your back on a sliding table. The table will slowly slide into the opening of the machine. Inside the scanner, an x-ray tube will move around your body to take pictures of your heart. The technician will control the CT scanner from the next room. He or she will be able to see you through a glass window and talk to you through a speaker. The techinican will ask you to lie still and hold your breath for short periods whilst each picture is taken. During the test, the machine will make clicking and whirring sounds as it takes pictures. The scan causes no discomfort and is totally non-invasive, painless and safe.
AFTER THE TEST
After a period of monitoring (approximately 30 minutes) and ensuring there has been no reaction we will carefully remove the cannula. You are free to eat and drink normally now. We recommend you drink plenty of fluids throughout the rest of the day to help flush the contrast out of your body. Avoid strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day. Your scan will be interpreted by a cardiologist and a full report sent to your referring doctor.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Serious complications are rare during this test however you should be informed of the possible risks, including:
- The medications administered may cause a temporary decrease of your blood pressure, nausea, lightheadedness or headaches
- Rarely serious allergic reactions can occur causing itching, rash, swelling or shortness of breath. This can require urgent treatment
- Discomfort or bruising at the cannula insertion site
- Rarely contrast can leak out of your vein where the cannula is inserted and cause painful swelling. This can require urgent treatment
- Women should always inform their doctor if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the fetus in the womb
Why Cardiac CT scan at Global Cardiology
- We use state of the art and the most sophisticated CT scanner available to date.
- Our CT scanner is better for the patient, using ultra low dose radiation which is safer for the tissue.
- At Global Cardiology, our cardiac CT service is backed up by comprehensive cardiac testing, specialist consulting and advisory services ensuring that test results of concern are follow through in a timely and appropriate manner
FOR ALL CTCA Bookings
DIRECT LINE – 08 6332 6950
