Cardiac CT
Understanding Cardiac CT
What is Cardiac CT?
A Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) can help diagnose various cardiac ailments such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), calcium buildup in arteries, congenital heart disease, problems with the aorta and valves, and other heart defects. This heart-imaging test gives a cross-sectional view of the heart's anatomy and helps diagnose any significant heart disorders.
Individuals with symptoms like chest pain or patients with a family history of diabetes, heart problems, high cholesterol, or blood pressure are at a higher risk. In these cases, early detection can be beneficial. Patients with chronic kidney ailments and pregnant women must inform the doctor before the test to reduce the allergies from contrast dye and side effects from radiation. A CT is a safe scan.
What is Cardiac CT used for?
- • To understand the physical state of the heart and blood flow patterns of the coronary vessels • To diagnose any suspected underlying coronary artery diseases • To assess efficacy of grafts and stents placed • To detect blood clots within the heart’s chambers • To diagnose congenital heart disease, or birth defects in the heart • To diagnose tumors (abnormal growth) of the heart