What Are the Risks of Cardiac CT?
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans are safe,
painless tests. Although cardiac CT uses radiation, the amount is small. This
test gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you’re
naturally exposed to over 3 years. There is a very small chance that cardiac CT
will cause cancer.
Some people feel side effects from the contrast dye
that’s used during the cardiac CT scan, including the following:
- An itchy feeling or a rash may appear after the
injection of the contrast dye. Neither one normally lasts for a long time, so
medicine often isn’t needed. If you do want medicine to relieve these
symptoms, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you a medicine called an
antihistamine, which is used to help stop allergic reactions.
- Although rare, it’s possible to have a
serious allergic reaction that may lead to breathing difficulties. Medicines
are used to treat serious reactions.
People who have
asthma
or
emphysema may have breathing problems during cardiac CT if
they’re given beta blockers to slow down their heart rates. |