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Dr. Karzan AbdullahCardiologist

CT imagingdetailed pictures of the heart's arteries.

A CT scanner takes cross-sectional X-ray images that can show the coronary arteries, calcium in their walls, and the large blood vessels of the chest.

Hospital referral

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At a glance

How long
15–30 minutes
Preparation
As the imaging centre advises
Results
At a follow-up visit
Where
Hospital, by referral

Why it might be recommended

Every test is chosen to answer a specific question. These are the most common reasons for this one.

  1. Chest pain, where narrowing of the heart arteries needs to be ruled out
  2. Calcium scoring, to refine your cardiovascular risk
  3. Looking at the aorta and other large blood vessels
  4. Questions a stress test or echo could not answer

What happens

  1. Referral

    If CT is the right test, a referral is made to an imaging centre and you are told how to prepare.

  2. On the day

    A small cannula may be placed in your arm for contrast dye. Some people are given a tablet to slow the heart for sharper images.

  3. Scanning

    You lie on a table that moves through a ring-shaped scanner, holding your breath for a few seconds at a time.

  4. Review

    The radiology report comes back, and the images and next steps are gone through with you.

How to prepare

  • Follow the imaging centre's instructions on eating, drinking and caffeine
  • Tell us about kidney problems, diabetes medicines such as metformin, or any past reaction to contrast dye
  • Tell us if you are, or might be, pregnant

Conditions it helps assess

Common questions

How much radiation is involved?

Modern cardiac CT uses a low dose. It is only requested when the result is expected to change your care.

Will I feel the contrast?

Many people feel a brief warm flush, or a sensation of needing to pass urine. It passes within a minute.

Is CT the same as an angiogram?

No. CT is a scan from outside the body. Invasive coronary angiography uses a catheter and is a separate hospital procedure.

Other tests

All tests

Not sure this is the test you need?

You do not have to decide alone. Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Tests are chosen once your symptoms and history have been reviewed.

Book a consultationWhatsAppCall the clinic: 0750 135 87 88

This page explains what the test involves. It is not medical advice for your situation. If you have sudden or severe chest pain, fainting or breathlessness, seek emergency care immediately.

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