Cardiac CT scans
Print a fact sheet about what you should expect and how to prepare for a cardiac CT scan.
Cardiac CT scans give physicians an overall look at blockages – caused by plaque – throughout the heart muscle. Calcium deposits are a strong marker for the presence of plaque in the arteries. Plaque causes narrowing of the coronary arteries, and ultimately can lead to heart attacks. If a CT scan detects large amounts of calcium in the arteries, then a physician may order further testing or treatment.
It is not uncommon for a physician to schedule a cardiac catheterization after viewing the results from a CT scan. The catheterization allows doctors to measure the exact amount of plaque present in the arteries.
Cardiac CT scans take approximately 15 minutes and require little preparation by the patient. Once the scan is completed, a radiologist will read it and identify any calcium build-up. The physician and patient will receive a score within a few days which explains the amount of calcium present and the risk toward developing coronary heart disease.
Norton Heart Care is a leading provider of heart care for people throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Focused on outcomes and quality, our highly skilled cardiologists and surgeons work side by side with experienced nurses to care for both adults and children. Heart disease comes in many forms, and Norton Heart Care offers a wide range of innovative treatment techniques in multiple locations - providing advanced, high-quality care close to home. For more information about Norton Heart Care, call (502) 629-1234.
This test or treatment is offered at these facilities:
