What To Expect Before Cardiac CT
Your doctor will give you instructions before the
cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan. Usually he or she will ask you to avoid
drinks that contain caffeine before the test. Normally you’ll be able to
drink water, but you won’t be able to eat for 4 hours before the scan.
If you take medicines for diabetes, ask your doctor
whether you will need to change how you take them on the day of your cardiac CT
scan.
Tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant. Even though
cardiac CT uses a low radiation dose, you shouldn’t have the scan if
you’re pregnant. The x-rays may harm the developing fetus.
- Have
asthma or kidney problems or are allergic to any medicines, iodine, and/or
shellfish. These may increase your chance of having an allergic reaction to the
contrast dye.
A technician will ask you to remove your clothes
above the waist and wear a hospital gown. You also will be asked to remove any
jewelry from around your neck or chest.
Taking pictures of the heart can be difficult
because the heart is always beating (in motion). A slower heart rate will help
produce better quality pictures. If you don’t have asthma or
heart
failure, your doctor may give you a medicine called a beta blocker to help
slow your heart rate. The medicine will be given by mouth or injected into a
vein. |