Experience Top-Quality Heart Care: 100% Bulk Billed CT Cardiac Scans at Crystal Radiology. (02) 8315 8292
A CT Cardiac, or CT Coronary Angiogram, is a specialised non-invasive procedure which uses a mixture of x-ray technology, computer systems and a contrast medium to produce detailed three dimensional images of the heart, arteries and blood vessels.
What part of the anatomy is examined by a CT Cardiac?
CT Cardiac are used specifically to examine the heart.
What conditions can be diagnosed by a CT Cardiac?
CT Cardiac are typically used to detect and aid in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease.
Why is a CT Cardiac required instead of a Coronary Angiogram?
A CT Cardiac is a non-invasive procedure, which makes it ideal for checking whether a patient with low risk heart-related issues or symptoms has a coronary artery disease. Doctors also use CT Cardiac to check for blockages and damage to the coronary arteries.
Doctors may also require patients to get a CT Cardiac scan before or after other coronary procedures.
What consequences are there if the suspected condition is undiagnosed or untreated?
Coronary artery disease is a serious illness, which if left untreated can lead to the development of other serious conditions including:
What should you tell us when making a booking for a CT Cardiac?
· If you have kidney problems
· If you have multiple severe allergies, or a previous allergy to IV contrast
· You will usually be asked to have a blood test to check your kidney function before the test, and definitely if you are diabetic.
The pre-requisites of the CT Cardiac take a long time in processes such as stabilizing heart rate and doing the initial heart scans otherwise the actual process doesn’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes.
What does a CT Cardiac involve?
After arrival at the Radiology Department, you will be placed on a trolley to have your heart rate (HR) measured. If it is too high to perform the test, you will be given medications to lower your HR, and it will be rechecked after 1/2 – 1 hour. Once your HR is at a good level, a nurse, doctor or radiographer will put a cannula in your arm, usually in the inside of the elbow. You will be taken to the CT Scan room and asked to lay on the CT bed. The radiographers will connect you to the CT Scan ECG and explain the next part of the test to you. You will be asked to hold your breath during all of the scans – this is very important. A couple of preliminary scans will be done and then the radiographer will start the injection of contrast, and the CT Coronary scan will start shortly after that.
You may experience the following sensations as the contrast agent moves through the body:
· A metallic taste or smell
· A feeling as though you have passed urine
· Post CT Cardiac instructions
What are the Recovery Details?
You may be asked to stay in the hospital for up to an hour after the CT Cardiac, to ensure that there are no side effects or reactions to the contrast medium or the medications given to lower your HR.
After the procedure you will be able to return to normal activity the next day. The results of the scan will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss them with you during your next appointment.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, please give us a call at (02) 8315 8292 and one of our friendly staff members will help you. You can also make a booking by yourself by clicking here.
Can I use my referral anywhere?
If you have a referral to another imaging practice or organization, we can assist you as we can accept all referrals and if you are still in doubt, please seek advice from your referring medical professional.
Why Choose Crystal Radiology?
We are local and a family-owned medical clinics that offers the highest quality medical and Imaging Services in the Crystal radiology region. We are the leaders in Bulk Billing with the real benefit of no ‘Out of Pocket’ expenses for you.
Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at (02) 8315 8292 as we are here to help.
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