CT scan of the Heart: Cardiac CT Alamogordo
Cardiologists typically recommend Cardiac CT Alamogordo to their patients once they have already been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, which can be caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Cardiac CT Alamogordo allow cardiologists to detect the presence of plaque buildup in these arteries and determine whether or not more invasive treatment like stents or bypass surgery is needed.
How Are Coronary Arteries Supplied With Blood
The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle. They locate on the surface of the heart and wrap around it. Right coronary artery (RCA) supplies blood to the right side of the heart, while the left coronary artery (LCA) supplies blood to the left side. The left main coronary artery (LMCA) branches off from the LCA and supplies blood to both sides of the heart. Plaque buildup can narrow or block these arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. A cardiac CT Alamogordo can help detect plaque buildup so that cardiologists can take measures to prevent a heart attack from occurring. It uses X-rays to produce images of the inside of the chest.
These images are then compile into a detailed three-dimensional picture of the heart with slices like those taken by an MRI machine but without exposure to radiation. With this information, doctors can identify abnormalities such as plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
The Role of Coronary CT Scans
A coronary CT scan is a test that uses special x-ray equipment to take clear, detailed pictures of your heart and blood vessels. The test is also called cardiac computed tomography (CT), coronary angiography, or calcium scoring. coronary CT scan can help cardiologists detect the presence of plaque buildup in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, it can narrow or block them.
This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attack, or stroke. A coronary CT scan can help cardiologists find out if you have plaque in your arteries and how much plaque there is.
What Is the Need for Coronary CT Scans?
A coronary CT scan is a non-invasive test that uses special x-ray equipment to produce detail pictures of the coronary arteries. This test can help cardiologists detect the presence of plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Plaque is a substance made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, it can narrow or block them.
This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. A coronary CT scan can help cardiologists find out if there is plaque present in the arteries and how much there is. If a person has risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, such as smoking cigarettes, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes mellitus (type 2), sedentary lifestyle or family history of early heart disease, then they may want to consider having this type of screening done.
Coronary CT scans are not meant for people without any risk factors. They do not diagnose cardiovascular disease; they simply identify the possibility of its existence and provide an estimate about how serious it might be based on what is seen on the images.
What Happens During A Coronary CTA Scan?
A coronary CTA scan is a type of CT scan that is used to assess the condition of your heart and coronary arteries. The test is performed by injecting a contrast agent into your bloodstream and then taking multiple X-rays of your heart. The contrast agent allows the cardiologist to see any plaque buildup in your arteries.
The CT scan is generally well tolerated and takes about 30 minutes to complete. There are no known risks associated with this procedure. For some people, it may cause some mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or difficulty breathing due to the contrast dye being injected into their blood stream before the test begins.
These side effects usually only last for an hour or two after the procedure has ended. In addition, most patients will need to fast for 8 hours before having this test done because it can interfere with how their body processes food and fluids after fasting for that long period of time.
How is a Coronary CTA Test Performed?
A coronary CTA test is a non-invasive procedure used to detect plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Test perform by injecting a contrast agent into the patient’s bloodstream and then performing a CT scan. The contrast agent helps to highlight the coronary arteries on the CT scan. The procedure is generally well tolerates and takes about 30 minutes to complete. There are no significant side effects associated with this type of imaging exam. Although patients may experience some discomfort during injection of the contrast agent.
If you have any questions about cardiac CT or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (800) 123-4567.
What are some Typical Results on Calcium Score Test?
A CT scan of the heart can show if you have plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. The amount of plaque present is given as a calcium score. A score of 0 means no plaque is present. A score greater than 0 means plaque is present and the higher the score, the more severe the blockage.
The results of a calcium score test can help your doctor determine your risk for heart disease and decide if you need further testing or treatment. If you do not currently have any symptoms that may relate to heart disease, but want to be proactive about preventing problems down the road.
Then ask your doctor about getting a calcium score test.
A cardiac CT scan is a test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detail pictures of your heart. This type of scan is also called a coronary computed tomography (CT) angiogram. Your doctor may recommend a cardiac CT scan if you have a family history of heart disease.
If you’ve had a heart attack, The test can help your doctor find out plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Plaque can narrow your arteries and reduce blood flow to your heart. A cardiac CT scan can also show how well your heart is pumping blood.
How to Prepare For A Coronary CT Scan in Alamogordo NM
A CT scan uses x-rays and computer technology to create detail pictures of your heart and its blood vessels. This test can help find out if you have plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Plaque is a substance that made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Plaque can narrow your arteries and reduce blood flow to your heart.