Heart CT Scan

Several technical hurdles were overcome, considering that the cardiac vessels measure only 1–4 mm in diameter, are being constantly moved by the heartbeat , and are also located in the middle of the chest surrounded by connective tissue , by air in the lungs, and covered by the ribs. These anatomical peculiarities explain why the cardiac vessels had been so difficult to visualize (compared to all other organs).

What is a heart CT scan? A heart CT (also called coronary CT angiogram , i. e. a visualization of the arteries that bring blood to your heart) uses X-rays to create cross-sectional der Querschnitt cross-sectional images through the heart and blood vessels after injection of a contrast agent.

They allow a detailed examination of the pulsating heart and the fast-moving coronary vessels.

Why are the scans performed? A heart CT scan is a common diagnostic tool for patients with heart problems, e. g.

cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation congenital heart disease, or birth defects in the heart lipid plaques that may block the coronary arteries calcium score as risk determination injury to the heart’s four primary valves blood clots within the heart’s chambers tumours in or on the heart How is it performed? The patient lies in a specific position on a table. The radiologic technologist is in a separate room and moves the table remotely into the CT, and talks to the patient during the examination via intercom.

The test shouldn’t take longer than 10–15 minutes. Patients may be asked to hold their breath during short scans which last only 10–20 seconds.

What are the risks of a heart CT scan? A heart CT scan only rarely carries risks:

In the case of a kidney disease , an infection or diabetes you may need to drink extra fluids after the examination in order to flush out the contrast media. This also depends on the contrast media. Some patients can develop an allergic or adverse reaction to iodine-based contrast agents. If you are pregnant , you shouldn’t do a CT scan. The levels of radiation are considered safe for adults, but nor for a developing foetus. How do you prepare for a heart CT scan? You will be asked the following questions before the examination:

Are there any concerns about the use of beta-blockers to slow the pulse rate to 60/min. (e. g. allergic respiratory disease – asthma, severe circulatory disturbance of the legs)? Is a recent ECG available to exclude disorders? Is the thyroid function regular? Please bring the required current laboratory results (TSH-basal, creatinine) and the ECG to the examination. Is the kidney function normal? The current creatinine value is important! Do you have a blood sugar disease (diabetes)? Are you taking any drug containing metformin? Do you have any (un)known allergy to iodine-containing contrast media? Patients should bring the following documents to the examination:

laboratory results ECG your beta-blocker or calcium antagonist (if you are taking these medications) X-ray passport, if available. Please note the following points:

Drink more than usual the day before the cardio CT examination (so that the contrast medium is excreted quickly). Come with an empty stomach . Make sure that you do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the examination, only your medication can be taken with a glass of water. You should not smoke for at least 1 hour before the examination. Do not drive yourself. DO drink a lot of water after the cardio CT examination. If you suddenly experience itching , sneezing , pain, nausea , diarrhoea or other physical symptoms on the day of the examination or in the following days, please inform your physician immediately. What happens after a CT scan? Usually, you’ll be able to leave directly after the examination. Drinking more water will help the contrast agent leave the body. You will receive a new appointment to discuss the findings .

EXERCISE: 1. A heart CT scan is a common diagnostic tool for patients with lipid plaques that may be blocking their coronary arteries.

a) true b) false

2. When preparing yourself for a heart CT scan you should:

a) not panic if you experience itching or sneezing, that’s normal b) drink more than usual the day before the cardio-CT examination c) come with an empty stomach d) do not drive yourself

3. If you are pregnant, you are allowed to do a heart CT scan.

a) true b) false

You’ll find the answer on the next page

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. http://dict.leo.org. 2. www.dict.cc. 3. www.radiologie.uk-erlangen.de. 4. www.springer.com. 5. www.webster-dictionary.org.

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten. Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Lösung für Exercise: 1. A 2. B + C + D 3. B

Heart CT Scan

What is a heart CT scan?

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Heart CT Scan

What is a heart CT scan?

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