That's a real mouthful. It's actually a CT scan of the heart. It's a 64-slice scanner ( previously, CT scans were not detailed enough to view the coronary ( heart) arteries). It is a possible non-invasive alternative to the conventional coronary angiogram.
Why would we do this test ?
The main purpose would be to rule out coronary artery disease. In other words, if you have chest pain but the doctor is not entirely sure it is due to coronary heart disease, a clear scan would rule it out.
How is it done ?
It is done as an outpatient. You should be able to resume normal activity after the scan. Fasting for 4 hours before the scan is needed. You will be given an injection of an x-ray dye into your arm and asked to lie down. After the scan, you will be monitored for a few minutes to ensure you are well.
Who should do the test ?
- People with an increased risk of heart attacks, eg. family history, high cholesterol, diabetes.
- unusual chest pains that are not typical of heart disease
- an inconclusive treadmill stress test
You have to consult your doctor first to determine if you are suitable for the test.
