A traditional CT scan is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views of the body. Cardiovascular CT uses the advanced CT technology with intravenous (IV) contrast (dye) to visualize your cardiac anatomy, coronary circulation and great vessels. Florida Cardiology uses state-of-the-art multi-row detector CT scanners. With our 64 slice scanner (Toshiba Aquilion 64 CFX), it is possible to acquire high-resolution three-dimensional images of the moving heart and great vessels. This scanner can be used to provide three-dimensional images of the entire vascular system of the human body, as well as, all internal organ systems.
CT Angio Can be used to Evaluate:
the heart chambers, heart pumping function and the sac around the heart (pericardium)
the coronary arteries
the thoracic aorta and carotid arteries
the cerebral arteries
the abdominal aorta, celiac, mesenteric, renal arteries and extremity arteries.
How to Prepare::
Avoid any caffeinated drinks on the day before or the day of your exam. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, or caffeinated sodas, if you are having CT of the heart
Avoid energy or diet pills on the day before or the day of your exam (ask your doctor if you have questions), if you are having CT of the heart.
Do not use Viagra or any similar medication on the day before or the day of the exam
* It is not compatible with the medications you will receive during the procedure (ask your doctor if you have questions), if you are having CT of the heart.
On the day of your exam, do not eat for four hours prior to your scheduled appointment. You may drink water.
If you are diabetic, ask your physician how to adjust your medications the day of your test.
* If you think your blood sugar is low, tell the technologist immediately.
Tell your technologist and your doctor if you are:
* pregnant
* allergic to iodine and/or shellfish or any medications
* on antidepressants
* undergoing radiation therapy
* have a history of kidney problems
o (you may be required to have a blood test to evaluate your kidney function prior to receiving any contrast agent)
What to Expect?
You will begin at the patient registration desk where all your pertinent information will be gathered.
You will be escorted to the holding area, by health care personnel.
A nurse/technologist will ask you to change into a hospital gown.
A nurse/technologist will insert an IV line into a vein in your arm to administer contrast (dye) during your procedure.
A nurse/technologist will clean three small areas of your chest and place small, sticky electrode patches on these areas.
* Men may expect to have their chest partially shaved to help the electrodes stick
* The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor.
* This will establish your current heart rate.
You may be given oral or IV medications to slow your heart rate for the (heart) exam
This process can sometimes take an hour or more to establish the appropriate heart rate
You will be transported to the CT area and onto a special scanning table.
The technologist will attach you to a contrast injector and electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor, which charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test.
You will lie on the scanner table, and be asked to raise your arms over your head for the duration of the exam.
During the scan, you will feel the table move inside a donut-shaped scanner.
You will receive a contrast agent through your IV to help produce the images.
* (It is common to feel a warm sensation as the contrast circulates through your body.)
The CT scan itself takes about 15 minutes
Once the technologist is sure that all the information is collected, you will be disconnected from the equipment and returned to holding area and monitored for a short period
Then the IV will be removed.
You will be discharged
After the Procedure?
You may continue all normal activities and eat as usual after the test.
Your cardiologist or primary care physician will discuss the results of your test with you.
Please ask your doctor if you have any questions about the cardiac CT.
A note about CT and risk:
A CT scan is a low risk procedure. Occasionally, patients experience an adverse reaction to the contrast agent. Some patients develop itching or a rash following the injection. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and resolve without further treatment. Antihistamines can be administered if needed for symptomatic relief. Rarely, a more serious allergic reaction, called an anaphylactic reaction, occurs that may result in breathing difficulty. This reaction is potentially life-threatening and would require medications and treatment to reverse the symptoms. CT scanners use x-rays. For your safety, the amount of radiation exposure is kept to a minimum. Because x-rays can harm a developing fetus, however, this procedure is not recommended if you are pregnant.
* To Schedule an Appointment, You or Your Doctor may call at (407) -215- 6315 .
