Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Diagnostic Imaging for Heart Disease

The CardioVascular Institute offers advanced technology for diagnosing complex heart disease. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) specialists offer cardiac computed tomography (CT). CT combines X-ray with computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. For a cardiac CT, we take images of your heart.

Your cardiologist (heart doctor) may recommend a cardiac CT scan to diagnose the cause your chest pain or other symptoms, examine your heart valves or other reasons. This test is noninvasive and painless.

Preparing for Your Cardiac CT Scan

Please do not eat solid foods for at least three hours before your CT test. During this time, you may drink clear liquids and take your usual medications. 

For your exam you may receive intravenous (IV) contrast, or dye. IV contrast is an iodine-based solution that a member of your care team injects into your veins. The contrast appears very bright (white) on a CT image. This contrast allows for enhanced visualization of the blood vessels in your body. After the exam, your kidneys will filter the IV contrast from your blood. You will pass the contrast — unnoticed — from your body in your urine. 

It is important that you inform the technologist before your exam if: 

• You have had IV contrast before. 
• You have asthma. 
• You are allergic to any foods or medications. 
• You may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• You are diabetic and taking Glucophage (metformin). 

What to Expect During Cardiac CT Scan

For a chest CT exam, you will remove all clothing from the waist up and put on a hospital gown, then lie on a CT table. Depending on the reason for your chest CT, you may or may not have an IV started for the IV contrast at this time.  

During the scan you will follow simple, but specific, breathing instructions. Procedures using CT are quick, most only taking 15 to 30 minutes to complete. 

After Your Cardiac CT Scan

You may resume your normal daily routine after your exam. If you had IV contrast, be sure to drink more fluids to help clear it from your system. 

A radiologist will first review the CT results. They will then send a report to your doctor. Your doctor should have access to your exam results within 24 hours.