Heart CT scans

What are Heart CT scans?

The process of taking a heart CT begins by taking many different X-ray views at various different angles, which are then combined with the use of computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissue inside of your body, including tissues inside of solid organ.

Ordinary X-ray testing does not show clear images of soft tissue, so doctors often request CT scanning to get a good image of soft tissue including organs, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and the brain. Sometimes a contrast dye is used as it shows up clearer on the screen.

A quality CT scan of the heart displays a view of your heart and blood vessels. It is also sometimes used to view the arteries that bring blood to the patient’s heart. The scan is often referred to as a cardiac CT.

Reasons for a Heart CT scan:

CT scans are used for a multitude of reasons. They may be done to check for certain cancers in various different ways including to detect abnormal tumors, growths or lumps. They also identify the location of tumors, the stage of cancer, and where to perform a biopsy.

A heart CT scan can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a biopsy. They are important in planning for certain types of therapy and surgery, as well as in the aftermath to determine whether your body is responding to treatment.

CT scans can be used to detect cysts or infections in the body. They can also identify the bone structures within the body and can accurately measure the density of bone.

A CT scan is often used to quickly inspect a patient's heart after an accident in order to identify traumatic internal injuries.

A Heart CT scan may help diagnose (find):

A heart CT scan can help diagnose birth defects in the heart including congenital heart disease, as well as defects to the heart’s valves.

A CT scan of the heart can also show tumors in or on the heart or coronary artery blockage due to a build-up of plaque.

The scan can find the cause of multiple heart problems and symptoms.