Cardiac CT Scan

Advances in imaging technology have led to incredible developments in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases without anesthesia in a minimal or non-invasive way. Here at American Hospital Dubai, our heart-care specialists use state-of-the-art Cardiac CT Scan technology for the detection of arterial blockages, evaluation of the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, and prescribing a suitable treatment plan.

Frequently called CT coronary angiography or computed tomography, the cardiac CT scan is administered to investigate coronary arteries and cardiac chambers for the detection of blockages in the blood vessels, blood clots in the cardiac chambers, heart tumors, and other conditions. The cardiac CT technology is also used in the “Calcium Scoring Test” to measure the amount of calcified plaque in the heart and its vessels and to assess the risk of developing coronary artery diseases such as a heart attack or a stroke.

Why Cardiac CT Scan is Performed?

A cardiac CT scan can provide useful information (including diagnosis and detection) on the following cardiac conditions:

• Coronary heart disease
• Tumors or masses of the heart
• Problems in the functioning of the heart or heart valves
• Calcium build-up in the coronary arteries
• Disorders of the aorta
• Aortic aneurysms (the formation of abnormal bulges in the lining of the main artery that carries blood from the heart)
• Pulmonary embolism (a blockage in an artery in the lungs)
• The functioning of coronary artery bypass grafting (which includes determining the blood flow through the new stretch of an artery)
• Congenital heart disease (heart problems that are present at birth)

The findings of Cardiac CT scan help doctors in the:

• Evaluation of the size of the heart chambers
• Detection of the accumulation of plaque and formation of blockages in blood vessels
• Assessment of the appropriateness for structural interventions, and heart surgery
• Evaluation of the functioning of the heart after surgery

How Cardiac CT Scan is Performed?

The patient, whose heart condition is in question, will be advised to lie on the back on a narrow table that slides into the CT scanner. A radiologist will place tiny electrodes all over the chest of the patient, which are connected to a machine, in order to record the heart’s electrical activity. An X-ray beam rotates around the body and generates a series of separate images of the chest area (heart, its chambers, coronary artery, and other blood vessels in the chest) along with a three-dimensional model of the heart on the monitor screen. 

During the scan which takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, the patient may be given medicine to slow heart rate, and/or told to hold breath briefly at different intervals.

The cardiac CT scan findings are interpreted by a radiologist and shared with the heart-care specialist (Cardiologist), who will then determine the need for an adequate treatment plan or follow up care.

Book an Appointment for Cardiac CT Scan:

While American Hospital Dubai offers the advanced diagnostic technologies for the earliest possible detection of cardiac conditions, the Cardia CT Scan is interpreted by expert radiologists, who work in close collaboration with a highly experienced cardiac-care team. Be it a consultation, diagnostic imaging service or treatment, each member of our team is committed to addressing your needs in a caring, safe, and patient-friendly environment.

If you are experiencing any cardiac symptoms or searching for a trusted facility for a Cardiac CT scan in Dubai, please book an appointment with our heart-care Specialists by filling out an online form.