You're going to have a cardiac CT scan. this film will explain what the scan
will involve
and allow you to prepare for the test. CT scanning uses x-rays
the team at Derriford are some of the most experienced in the world and have a very
good record
of keeping our x-ray levels to a minimum
the overall risk from this test is therefore low
the scan itself is painless and it's pretty quick lasting just a few seconds
please expect to be in the department for 30 to 60 minutes
when you're right the receptionist will book you in. you will need to remove metal
objects
around your neck and chest including any clothing with metal clips or buttons
necklaces and anything in your top pockets, like coins or phones
if we need you to remove clothing
will give you a gown to wear instead, we do this because
these things reduce the quality of the pictures but otherwise because it's not
a magnet scanner
all other clothing and jewelry a safe, as are pace makers
another implants
we then need to record your height and weight but a small plastic do you call
to Canada
into a vein in your arm so we can give you X ray dye later on
you will be asked a number of safety questions about any medical problems you
might have
and whether you've had X ray dye before
once you come into the scan room, you'll be asked to lie down on the scanner bed
have sticky dots attached your chest so we can monitor your heartbeat
which is an important part of how the CT scanner works. You'll
will then ask you to practice holding your breath as well as seeing how long
can manage
we're also watching what happens to your heart rate
the scanner works by taking pictures in between heartbeats when your heart is
still
if your hearts too fast, there isn't long enough to do that
and like photographing any moving object we might get blurry pictures
the we may need to gently so your heart down a little
using a drug called beta blocker. Beta blockers are very safe
and most people tolerate them very well they're a little different to the
tablets that some patients
had before and they work very quickly but wear off quickly too.
there quite selective which means they mostly work just on the heart
which also helps to reduce side effects effect most people don't notice that had
to beta blockers at all
you'll then be connected to the x-ray dye
you'll move in and out of the scanner a few times for some planning scans
to be asked to breathe in and hold your breath each time it's important you try
and take roughly the same size breaths on each occasion
the radiographer will warn you when the x-ray dyes about to start
the dye might give you a strange taste in your mouth or make you feel warm all over
it may get so warm down below, you may feel like you've wet yourself
you won't have done but it's a strange feeling. these things wear off quickly
within a few seconds. they are normal so trying to ignore them and
concentrate on holding a breath. if you breath during the scan
or your heart rate is too fast. we might need to do it again if not
that'll be the end the scan and you'll be free to leave the room
the results be sent to the doctor the requested the test %uh
we like you to stay in the department for about 10 minutes after the scan
or 20 minutes if we've given you beta blockers. by this time the beta blockers
would have reached their maximum effect
it's important you bring your medicines on the day of your test or list of what you
currently taking
so we can make sure it's safe to give you beta blockers and x-ray dye.
some people are allergic to X-rayed dye so let us know if you had any problems
with it before
please don't stop any of your medicines before the scan
this is different to some other heart tests you may have had
it is essential you don't have any caffeine before you come for your scan
this includes tea coffee chocolate
and particularly cola or energy drinks, all of which contain enough caffeine to
raise your heart rate
we need your heart rate to be as stable as possible so please try to give
yourself plenty of time to get here, don't overexert yourself
on the way in. it might be helpful to practice holding a breath before you
come for your appointment
we need about 15 to 20 seconds. we recommend that someone brings you to the
hospital
or that you use public transport should be safe to drive but
we cant always guarantee this particularly if you need help any other medicines while
you're here
%uh when you come for the test please remember this is a partnership between
us
we'll do as much as we can to get clear pictures of your heart
you can really help by holding a breath, keeping a heart rate nice and low
by avoiding caffeine taking a prescribed medicines trying to keep his relaxed and
calm as possible
hopefully now you have a good understanding about what the test is going to involve
if you have any further questions worries please get in touch with us
using a number on your appointment letter for you can ask any of the stuff
on the day