What is a CT scan?
A CT (computerised tomography) scan is a non-invasive medical test used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. It is a fast and highly effective tool which provides detailed, cross-sectional views of areas of the body that may be hard to reach.
What does a cardiac CT scan involve?
The CT scan uses specialised X-ray equipment and a computer to create images of the inside of your body. A cardiac CT scan is when the CT scanner is used to take pictures of your heart. It is used to get images of the beating heart and to look at the structure and function of the heart.
In order for the images to be taken you will be asked to lie on a table that can slide in out of the round scanning machine. It is important to relax and lie still so that the CT scan can take accurate images. The whole scanning process will take between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the different angles and number of pictures needed.
For some scans, you may have an injection of a dye (contrast medium) or be asked to drink a liquid that will help to improve the quality of the scan. These dyes are removed from the blood by the kidney and passed out through the urine harmlessly.