Download Information for Patients on Cardiac CT Scans

Cardiac
CT Scans
Information for Patients
on Cardiac CT Scans
Welcome to Blackrock Clinic
Accredited by Joint Commission International
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Your Cardiac CT Visit
Patient Name _ ____________________________ Appointment Date ___ /___ / ___
Please arrive to the Radiology Department at ________
1. The cost of a Cardiac CT is e480
2. Please allow approximately 2.5 hours in the department
3. You are required to fast from 12 midnight
(sips of water are allowed)
4. If you are a smoker, please stop smoking
2 hours prior to appointment
5. atients cannot drive home following the scan P
however it is fine to travel by taxi, train or bus etc
6. No vigorous exercise allowed for 4 hours prior to scan
7. Please inform the department on Freefone 1800 300 200
if you have any known allergies, or asthma
8. The cost of a Calcium Score CT is e320 (no prep)
9. Procedure code: 6222 (for discussion with your
insurance provider for possible reimbursement)
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B L A C K R O C K
C L I N I C
•
C A R D I A C
C T
What is a CT Scan?
What is a Cardiac CT?
A Cardiac CT uses advanced CT Technology to visualize
three-dimensional images of the heart. The scan can
detect early signs of heart disease otherwise known as
Coronary Artery Disease, well before a person experiences
any symptoms. Detecting this information early can help
doctors manage, stabilize and or eliminate the causes to
help save lives.
Cardiac
admissions
CT / discharge
A CT or CAT scan is a procedure that with the aid of
a computer combines many x-ray images to produce
cross sectional views of the body. These images are much
more detailed than those produced by conventional x-ray
for example a CT scan shows different types of tissue,
internal body organs and blood vessels.
There are two types of Cardiac CT Scans;
π A Calcium Score Scan
π A Cardiac CT Scan
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C A R D I A C
C T
•
B L A C K R O C K
C L I N I C
Coronary
admissions
Artery
/ discharge
Disease
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease is caused by atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries) with cholesterol build
up and calcification (calcium build up) of the
coronary arteries.
The cardiac CT scan can detect the presence
of calcium at a very early stage even before any
significant blockage has developed and potentially
years before a standard health screening or exercise
ECG would detect the disease.
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B L A C K R O C K
C L I N I C
•
C A R D I A C
C T
What does the procedure entail?
This scan can detect very small deposits of calcium in your coronary
arteries with great accuracy. The amount of calcium deposited in all
the coronary arteries is added and a score is given.
For the procedure itself you simply lie on a padded table directly under
the scanner with your arms above your head. ECG leads will be placed
in appropriate positions on your chest. Two images will be taken
initially and this is then followed by the main scan. The procedure
takes about 10-15 minutes but expect to be in the department in
total for approximately 30 minutes. The images are reported on
by a Consultant Radiologist and the scan report will be sent directly
to your referring Doctor.
A Cardiac CT Scan
admissions
/ discharge
The
Procedure
A Calcium Score Scan
This scan gives detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries
using an intravenous contrast injection. It also includes a calcium
score scan. When making the appointment you will be asked to arrive
in the department one and a half hours prior to the scan time.
In preparation, you need to fast for 4 hours prior to the procedure,
you also need to avoid drinking coffee or other stimulant drinks and
to refrain from exercise before scanning.
On arrival to the CT department your heart rate will be
checked. If your heart rate is above a certain level, you may be
given a Betablocker (medication which slows the heart rate)
on the instruction of the Consultant in the department.
Following administration of a Betablocker (if necessary) we will
ask you to remain in the department for a minimum of one hour
before scanning.
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The/Procedure
admissions
discharge
C A R D I A C
C T
•
B L A C K R O C K
C L I N I C
For the procedure you lie on the padded table under the scanner.
A cannula is inserted into a vein in your arm for the intravenous contrast
injection. ECG leads will be placed on your chest to monitor the heart rate.
The cardiac score will be performed initially followed by the contrast
injection. Scanning then takes approximately 15 minutes.
After the scan you will remain in the department for up to one hour.
It is advisable to be accompanied by a driver when returning home.
You may eat and drink normally as soon as the procedure is complete.
Expect to be in the department for approximately two and a half hours
in total from start to finish.
Following the Scan, a Consultant Radiologist and a Consultant Cardiologist
will analyze the images produced and their report will go directly to your
referring doctor.
Our thanks to GE for the use of certain images.
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How much does
the Scan cost?
Calcium Score Scan €320
Cardiac CT Scan
€480
The cost of the scan is payable on
the day. However certain medical
insurance plans may provide cover.
Please check with your insurance
provider in advance of the test.
You may also be entitled to
income tax relief.
Appointments
You can make an appointment
by contacting the department
directly on:
1800 300 200
You will require a referral
letter from your GP
or Consultant.
For more information why
not log on to our website
www.blackrock-clinic.com
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Peace of mind
is an important
component of healing
Blackrock Clinic
Rock Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Tel: 1800 300 200
Fax: 01 2064368
www.blackrock-clinic.com
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