Heart(Cardiac) Scan CT

CT scan or computed tomography scan is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed picture of internal structures of the body. CT scan is a combination of series of X-rays taken from many different angles and, through computer processing, creating cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside the human body for better visualisation. In some cases, three-dimensional (3-D) imaging technology may be used for better visualization of the CT images. Like the traditional X-rays, CT scan also causes radiation. The radiation of CT scan is higher than X-ray but it also provides a more detailed image of the body area. Sometimes duringthe CT scan procedure a special dye or contrast material is used to highlight the areas of the part of the body being examined. The contrast materials are usually introduced into the body through an injection in the vein of the arm or through the rectum or orally. The contrast material restricts the X-rays and appears as white in colour to emphasize the structures in CT image. Cardiac CT scan is a painless diagnostic procedure that uses x-rays as imaging method to take clear, detailed pictures of the heart and the blood vessels supplying the heart, lung, brain, kidneys, head, legs, and arms and the visualise any underlying pathology. Sometime if required an iodine-based dye or contrast is used to obtain better images. The contrast dye highlights the complete heart anatomy, coronary arteries of the heart and also accurately locates the blockage or other associated issues on the CT scan pictures. This type of CT scan is a special form of cardiac CT scan known as coronary CT angiography or CTA. This procedure is used to evaluate certain heart diseases such as coronary heart diseases or narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, any bulging or tear in aorta, any blood clot in the lungs, narrowing of the veins in the leg or presence of tumour or abnormality in the blood vessels, pulmonary embolism or blockage in lung artery, certain problems with heart functions and heart valves such as pericarditis and any damage or injury to the valves of the heart. Before a CT scan, the patient is requested to follow the preparation procedure including taking off some or entire clothing and wearing a hospital gown, removal of metal object such as any jewellery or belt to avoid any interference with the CT images and avoid food few hours before the procedure. During the procedure, patient is asked to lie on a table attached to the CT scanner which is a large doughnut shaped machine. The scanner radiates X-rays to the body and collects the images of that part. In every rotation of the scanner several images of thin slices of the particular organ of the body comes out and is saved as a group in the computer. After the CT scan, patient may return to normal activities. If the patient has contrast material injected during CT scan he may receive few special instructions to be followed post the scan.