Display Patient Information Leaflets

 

It has been requested by your doctor that you have a CT Scan

(Computed Tomography Scan) of your heart. This is a scan which can access your heart and the arteries that supply it, to help your doctor make a diagnosis of your symptoms. This scan uses x-rays to take pictures of your heart.

1.  Why am I having this scan?

Based on your symptoms, your doctor has decided to investigate your heart and the blood vessels that supply it.

2.  Do I need to take any medication for this scan? 

You SHOULD continue to take all the routine medication your doctor has prescribed prior to the scan.

3.  Can I eat and drink normally before the scan?

Yes, you can, in fact we advise you to be well hydrated (drink lots of water) before the scan. Please try to avoid coffee, tea and chocolate on the day of the scan as these increase your heart rate, which will result in a poorer quality scan.

4.  Do I need to tell the staff what tablets I take?

Yes, it is very important to tell the doctor or staff in the department what medication you take, before you have the scan. It is often useful to bring your repeat prescription on the day of the scan.

5.  Will I be given any medications during the scan?

In order to get a good quality scan, your heart rate needs to be slow. Some people may have a slightly faster heart rate than others. If your heart rate is slightly fast a doctor will give you an injection to slow it down (a beta blocker). This is standard practice and there is nothing to worry about. The drug will slow your heart rate gently; it does not have any major side effects. It acts for about 20 minutes.

6.  Does the doctor need to know any other information about me before giving the drug?

Yes, the team will check if you take any medication or have any allergies. It is important to say if you have any allergies, if you have taken beta blockers before and if you had any problems with them. You should also mention if you suffer from asthma.

7.  What happens during the scan?

You will be given a dye (contrast) through a small needle (venflon) in your arm. This helps to show the arteries in your heart more clearly. It may produce a hot flush and a feeling that you are passing water. This only lasts for a short time and symptoms pass quickly.

You will be asked to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds during the scan. It is important that you are able to hold your breath, as this will affect the quality of the scan. You could practice holding your breath at home, so you are familiar with this when asked to do so during your scan.

If you cannot hold your breath, please tell the staff in the scanner who will be able to help you.

8.  How long will the scan take?

The actual scan will only take a minute or two but preparing for the scan might take a little longer. We also ask you to wait in the department for 20 minutes after your scan to monitor you. You should estimate to spend an hour in the department.

You can normally drive home but we advise you to try and arrange for someone to pick you up.

If you have any concerns or need further information about your scan please contact the CT department on 01752 437183. The phone lines are open Monday toFriday between the hours of 9am to 4:30pm.