What Is a CT Heart Scan?
During CT heart scans (also know as CT angiography), patients receive a contrast dye through an IV. X-rays are passed through the body and are picked up by detectors in the scanner. Special software uses the information gathered during the scan to create 3D images of the coronary arteries on a computer screen. CT angiography scans give doctors a detailed look at the coronary arteries, which supply blood to heart muscle, without cardiac catheterization. Who Should Get CT Heart Scans? While contrary calcium scores and carotid artery scans are used to evaluate people without symptoms, CT angiography is typically reserved for intermediate-risk people with symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath that could be due to coronary heart disease, Villines says. CT heart scans can also be useful if a patient is at low risk for heart disease and has “mildly abnormal” results on an exercise stress test. “Right now, these patients are referred for catheterization, but the CT scan could help
