Cardiology ‘HOT’ clinic
Date issued: August 2024
For review: August 2026
Ref: B-512/PS/Cardiology/Cardiology ‘HOT’ clinic
PDF: Cardiology HOT clinic.pdf [pdf] 165KB
You have been assessed in the hospital and we believe it is safe for you to go home today. An urgent outpatient appointment is made for you to ensure you will be reviewed by cardiology team within the next few days. You may also have an urgent CT scan (Computed Tomography Scan) of the heart if it is deemed necessary by the medical team. You will also be contacted by cardiology team to confirm your appointment time for outpatient clinic review and cardiac CT scan.
If you have chest pain again that worries you or if any of your symptoms change or return causing further concern, then call 999 or come back to the emergency department. Please avoid heavy physical exertion until consultation has been undertaken.
CardiacCT Scan
It has been requested by your doctor that you have a CT 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 adviseyoutobewellhydrated(drinklotsofwater)beforethescan.Pleasetry 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. What happens during the scan?
You will be given a dye (contrast) through a small needle (venflon) inyourarm.This is required to show thearteries in yourheart. 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 15 seconds during the scan. It is important that youare 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 can not hold your breath, please tell the staff in the scanner who will be able to help you.
6. 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 15 minutes after your scan to monitor you. You should estimate to spend an hour in the department.
Contact us
If you have any concerns or need further information about your appointments, please contact our Pathway Coordinator/s on 01752 438354 / 432908. The phone lines are open between 8:30am to 3:30pm.
