Presbyterian Healthcare 
CT Scans
Cardiac CT Scan
| Cardiac CT scans utilize advanced CT technology to assess at-risk patients and diagnose coronary disease. |
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Cardiac CT is a non-invasive way of obtaining detailed, 3D images of the heart and coronary structures. It can also provide images of the heart's pumping action. Physicians use the high-resolution images to evaluate low-to-intermediate risk patients and diagnose coronary disease.
LightSpeed VCT: the most advanced CT system available
Presbyterian Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital Matthews have the most advanced CT system available, the LightSpeed VCT from GE Healthcare. This 64-detector CT system is faster, meaning patients will benefit from increased comfort, shorter breath holds and lower doses of radiation. It can capture the heart and coronary arteries in just five heartbeats. It offers the most detailed images in the shortest amount of time, and it improves other procedures. For example, a cardiac CT scan on the LightSpeed VCT can determine the difference between hard plaque and soft plaque, whereas traditional calcium scoring cannot.
CT Cardiac Scoring Preparation Instructions
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
CT Cardiac Scoring Procedure
- You will be escorted into the CT scan room by the technologist.
- You will lie on your back on the table with your feet entering the scanner and your arms resting above your head. EKG leads will be placed on your chest.
- After getting you into position, the technologist will leave the room and program the CT scanner to record images.
- A programmed voice will give you breathing instructions, and you will be advanced in and out of the scanner as it obtains the images.
- The CT scan will last approximately 10 minutes. Once the scan is complete, the leads will be removed, and you will be free to leave.
CT Coronary Angiogram Preparation Instructions
- Please do not eat or drink anything beginning four hours prior to your appointment time.
- If you are diabetic and take Metformin (Glucophage, Glucovance, Metaglip, Fortamet, or Avandament), you can now take your medication the morning of your exam. A Creatinine is still required 48 hours after your scheduled procedure.
- If you are allergic to contrast or dye, please inform your physician, as you will need to be premedicated for this exam.
- Your physician will arrange for you to be premedicated with Beta Blockers. Beta Blockers are used to slow heart rate, which is required for this exam.
CT Coronary Angiogram Procedure
- After completing a consent/history form, an IV will be placed.
- Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked by a nurse to ensure that it is within limits for the exam. If it is in the appropriate range, you will be taken to the exam room by the technologist.
- If your heart rate is too high, our radiologists may arrange for additional beta blockers to optimize the quality of your exam. The additional dose will depend on your heart rate, weight and blood pressure.
- You will lie on your back on the exam table with your feet entering the scanner and your arms resting above your head.
- EKG leads will be placed on your chest, and oxygen will be administered through tubes placed in your nose.
- The nurse will administer sublingual nitroglycerin after the EKG leads have been attached.
- After getting you into position, the technologist will leave the room and program the CT scanner to record images. A programmed voice will give you breathing instructions.
- You will receive contrast injection for the test, which will cause a warm flushing sensation.
- During the scan, you should remain as still as possible.
- Once the scan is complete, the leads, oxygen and IV will be removed.
- The nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure, and if they are found to be at acceptable levels, you will be free to leave.
