Cardiac patients are sometimes asked to attend the hospital to have a CT scan.

X-rays are taken in a series of very thin slices, and computer technology is used to produce detailed images of the body.

Before you attend

• Please do not eat or drink anything for an hour prior to your appointment.
• Be aware that all items of jewellery worn in or on the area being scanned will need to be removed.
• It would be helpful if you wear clothes without metal fastenings, so that you don't need to get changed before we begin, but we can provide a gown if this is not possible.
• Ideally, someone should accompany you for the study as we strongly advise that you do not drive or cycle to and from your appointment.

It is important that you call us for advice if:

• You think you may be pregnant
• You are breast feeding

This video shows you what to expect:

• It is essential that you have a relatively slow heart-rate during the scan - we will check it when you arrive in the department, and if necessary give you some medication to temporarily slow it down. Your scan will begin approximately 20 minutes later. As this medication may give you a slight sensation of drowsiness, we strongly advise that you do not drive or cycle to and from your appointment.
• We will place a drip in a vein, probably in the front of your elbow, so we can inject x-ray contrast (sometimes called dye), when we do the scan.
• The CT scan itself will only take approximately 15 minutes, during which time you will need to hold your breath for probably three periods of five seconds each. We will practice this with you before the scan.
• If we have given you medication to slow your heart-rate, you will need to remain in our recovery unit for about an hour after the scan.

Contact

Tel: 01793 605051 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4.30pm)