Heart X-Rays

What are X-rays of the Heart?

X-rays are a common imaging test that uses small amounts of high-energy electromagnetic radiation to produce images for doctors to view the inside of the body. The level of exposure is considered safe for adults. It is not considered safe for a developing fetus so it is very important that a pregnant patient informs a physician of their pregnancy before having an X-ray taken.

X-rays pass through skin and soft tissue mostly, but do not pass through bone or metal easily. As different tissues in the body absorb different amounts of radiation, the images will show different shades of black and white.

One of the most common uses of an X-ray is to check for broken bones after an accident, but they are also used under many other circumstances.

X-rays are used to identify, diagnose, and treat many types of medical conditions. It is a key element and often times the first to be done in the diagnosis process.

An X-ray of the heart can be seen during a chest X-ray.

Reasons for a Heart X-Ray:

X-rays are used for a multitude of reasons. A physician may order an X-ray to check for certain cancers in different parts of the body by detecting abnormal tumors, growths or lumps.

A heart X-ray is used to view the area of the body where a patient is experiencing pain, swelling, or other abnormalities that require an internal view of the organs. The X-ray can help a physician find a cause for the problems occurring.

X-rays can be used to diagnose a disease, monitor the progression of the disease, determine a treatment plan, and see the effect of a treatment plan.

Physicians use X-rays to locate foreign objects within the body and to guide them in setting broken bones.

A Heart X-Ray may help diagnose (find):

A heart X-ray can detect an enlarged heart or other changes in the size and shape of the heart, which is a sign of congestive heart failure.

The X-ray can show changes or problems in the lungs that stem from heart problems.

An X-ray of the heart can show fluid in the lungs, a sign of congestive heart failure.

Heart X-rays can show heart valve problems.