Despite dramatic improvements in treatment, heart disease is still the #1 killer of men and women in the United States.
Beaumont offers leading edge 3-D Cardiac CT Scan technology that helps with the early detection of coronary artery disease. Please speak with your physician to determine whether you are a candidate for a 3-D Cardiac CT Scan.
Utilizing state of the art CT scan technology, the heart and coronary arteries can now be imaged non-invasively. To assure proper visualization a beta blocker may be given orally about one hour prior to the CT scan. Once an adequate heart rate is obtained, nitroglycerin is given under the tongue and a CT scan is obtained to look for calcium in the coronary arteries. This takes seconds and requires a single breath hold.
Immediately, thereafter, a small amount of contrast containing iodine is injected through the vein and another scan is obtained; a breath hold of about 15 seconds may be necessary. The data obtained is quickly processed by a high powered computer and images are available for interpretation thereafter.
Safe & Accurate
-
A prescription is required from your physician.
-
Kidney function is measured prior to the procedure by a simple blood test
-
A pregnancy screen is obtained if necessary
-
Anyone with a history of iodine allergy is pre-medicated according to protocol
-
The CT scan is performed by a certified radiology technologist under the supervision of a Beaumont doctor
-
Your heart rhythm is monitored throughout the test by an ACLS certified cardiology nurse
-
All studies are interpreted by Beaumont doctors who are credentialed according to the standards established by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology
-
If serious abnormalities are identified, your doctor will be called immediately
Who might benefit from this test?
-
People with an indeterminate cardiac stress test
-
People with chest pain that might be due to coronary insufficiency (this includes patients who have had a coronary bypass or stent placement)
-
People with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease
-
Other indications as determined by your doctor
How long does the test take?
Once an adequate heart rate is achieved, the time at the testing site is generally less than one hour. No sedation is required. You may drive to and from the testing site by yourself.