Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans capture detailed images of your heart and surrounding structures using multiple X-ray beams from different angles. This helps diagnose and treat conditions like coronary artery disease – the most common type of heart disease.

Getting a prompt and accurate diagnosis is key to having the best outcomes possible. The University of Miami Health System is leading the way in South Florida with our advanced cardiac CT services, renowned heart specialists, and cutting-edge heart treatments.

What is a heart CT scan?

A heart CT scan – also called a CAT scan – uses multiple X-ray beams from different angles to see the components of your heart, blood vessels, and surrounding structures.

This type of imaging provides high-quality, three-dimensional images, including views of your heart in motion. Sometimes, we may inject a contrast dye into your bloodstream to get even more detailed pictures.

Why would I need a heart CT scan?

Your doctor may order a CT scan if you have possible heart disease symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. A heart CT scan can help diagnose and treat conditions such as:

• Aortic aneurysms
• Carotid artery disease
• Congenital heart problems (present at birth)
• Coronary artery disease (plaque and calcium buildup)
• Heart valve problems
• Tumors or masses in or near the heart

CT scans can also help plan for heart procedures such as:

• Bypass interventions for artery blockages
• Ablation procedures for heart arrhythmias
• Valve procedures and other heart surgeries

What is a cardiac CT scan vs. a cardiac MRI?

A CT scan is different from an MRI. CT scans use X-rays, whereas an MRI scan does not. Also, the CT scanner is quieter and more open than an MRI scanner.

Your doctor may order a cardiac CT and MRI for different reasons. Sometimes, doctors order an MRI after a CT to get more detailed images.

How do I prepare for a cardiac CT?

We’ll make sure you know what to expect and how to get ready. For example:

• Don’t eat or drink for four to six hours before your exam (except you may drink water).
• Avoid caffeinated drinks and energy or diet pills the day before your exam.
• Tell us about all the medications you’re taking. We may ask you to stop certain medications temporarily. For example, do not take Viagra® or Revatio® on the day before or the day of your test. Cialis® – or Tadalafil – should be stopped at least 48 hours prior to the test. If you have diabetes, your doctor may adjust your medications.

How is a cardiac CT test done?

The entire process for a cardiac CT scan takes about 30 to 60 minutes. However, the scan itself usually takes no more than 10 minutes.

For this test, you will:

1. Change into a hospital gown.
2. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to slow your heart rate.
3. If you’re getting contrast (dye), you’ll get an IV line in your arm that can be used to administer the dye. This can help provide more detailed images.
4. You’ll lie on your back on a scanner table, and you’ll get several small patches placed on your chest. These attach to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, which measures your heart’s electrical activity during the test.
5. You’ll raise your arms, and the table you’re on will slide into a donut-shaped scanner. You’ll have space around you, and your head and feet will be outside the scanner.
6. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time during the test. You’ll also need to stay still to help prevent blurred images.
7. After the test, you can plan to resume all your usual activities. If you took a sedative, arrange for someone to drive you home. Otherwise, you can drive home yourself.

Are heart CT scans safe?

For most people, the benefits of a CT scan outweigh the risks. However, risks to consider include:

• Radiation and cancer. Radiation from X-rays in CT scans can present a very small cancer risk.
• Radiation and pregnancy. Radiation may harm an unborn baby. Be sure to tell us if you’re pregnant or if you might possibly be pregnant. If you need a cardiac CT, we can take protective measures.
• Contrast dye and breastfeeding. A very small amount of contrast dye used for CT scans can get into breast milk. Tell us if you’re breastfeeding, and we can discuss precautions.
• Contrast dye allergies and kidney disease. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, such itching, rash, or nausea. More serious allergic reactions are rare, but they can happen. If you have kidney disease, there is a very small risk of kidney injury. Also, you may need extra fluids after your CT test if you have diabetes or kidney disease. This will help flush iodine in the dye out of your system. 

We’ll discuss the risks and benefits before your CT scan and answer any questions you may have.

What is a calcium score test?

A calcium score test is a special type of computed tomography test that looks for calcium buildup in your arteries. This buildup can be a sign of coronary artery disease and may increase the risk of a possible heart attack.

Calcium score tests may be recommended for certain people at higher risk of heart disease.

Why Choose UHealth?

Faster, more precise, more accurate diagnosis. The better we understand your condition, the better we can treat it. Our advanced cardiac CT services go above and beyond standard testing to give us clearer insights into your heart health and how to treat it. We can also provide other testing options if needed – with an expert team to support you every step of the way in your care.

Access to the latest diagnostic advancements. Using the latest CT advances, our team can now diagnose certain conditions we couldn’t previously visualize with conventional methods. For example, we can now use CT to diagnose carotid artery disease – enabling earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Innovative heart disease treatments. As a cardiac care leader in the South Florida region, we partner with the industry to bring the latest innovations and treatments to you. For the treatment of coronary artery disease and vessel blockages, we’ve launched a program that takes patients directly from diagnosis to next-step therapy or intervention based on core information acquired from cardiac CT.

Artificial-intelligence-powered imaging. As an academic medical center, we’re pioneering new ways to use artificial intelligence (AII) to help us achieve faster, better diagnoses. We’re also using AI to plan for complex procedures and train care providers on the latest techniques for cardiac care. This promises to support better outcomes and peace of mind for patients in the treatment of heart disease.

New cardiac technology center in South Florida. To further research and development into new innovations, we recently opened the Center for Digital Cardiovascular Innovations at our Miller School of Medicine. This unites researchers and others to discover the next technologies in heart medicine and bring them here for you.