Cardiac CT Scans of the heart: Purpose, Procedure & Price

If you’ve been experiencing heart problems, or suspect you might be, a CT scan can help get the diagnosis and reassurance you need. Doctors can use CT scan images to assess the structure of your heart and the health of the surrounding blood vessels in a fast and non-invasive manner.

As CT scans use ionising radiation, our expert clinical team will make sure a CT scan is the correct option for your individual requirements. As part of your booking with us, you’ll receive a 1-1 clinician consultation, so that our team can medically justify your scan and provide a fast referral to get you the answers you’re looking for.

What is a CT scan of the heart (cardiac CT)?

A cardiac CT scan uses X-rays to generate images of your heart and the surrounding blood vessels. CT differs from a traditional X-ray scan as it creates more detailed images across multiple ‘slices,’ which can be merged into a 3D image, or viewed as a series of 2D images to pinpoint the exact source of a heart abnormality.

There are different types of cardiac CT scans, with a range of diagnostic procedures offered based on the reason for the scan. If the scan is designed to highlight the arteries that transport blood to the heart, you may hear it referred to as a coronary CT angiogram. If the scan’s purpose is to identify calcium buildup in your heart, it might be called a coronary calcium scan.

Before the scan, you might be given medication to slow your heart rate, or a contrast agent IV - both are used to enable clearer imaging. During the scan, you’ll lie on a flat bed, and sticky electrode patches are applied to the skin of your chest.

The flat bed is moved into the doughnut-shaped scanner, so that it surrounds your chest. The scanner circles around you, and an X-ray beam is directed at your heart from different angles. Detectors on the other side of the scanner will measure the amount of radiation passing through the different tissues of your heart. A computer uses this data to compile images.

What can cardiac CT scans detect in the heart?

You might have been recommended a CT scan of the heart for a number of reasons. CT can be used to detect congenital heart disease, birth defects, blockages, blood clots, damage or injury to heart valves, or tumours.

Do I need a cardiac CT scan with contrast?

Usually, a contrast agent is required for a CT scan of the heart. This is an iodine-based substance, usually administered into the bloodstream via an IV (intravenous) line in your arm. It helps to highlight the blood vessels, and distinguish between different tissues in your images. The substance is flushed from your kidneys naturally after the scan, so it’s recommended to drink exta fluids.

After placing your booking for a cardiac CT scan, you’ll receive a clinician consultation with a member of our expert healthcare team. They’ll explain if you need a contrast agent, and will make sure it’s safe for you to have one administered.

If you have kidney problems like kidney disease, or have recently had an adverse or allergic reaction to a contrast agent, this could affect your suitability, but our medical team will always suggest alternative scans as required.

How long does a cardiac CT scan take?

CT scans can be completed very quickly - the whole body can be scanned in under a minute. However, your appointment may be up to 30 minutes long, to allow time for getting changed, setting up the contrast agent IV (if required), filling in any paperwork on-site, and discussing any questions you might have.

What does a CT scan of the heart show?

CT scans of the heart can detect and diagnose a variety of health concerns very quickly. They can show the coronary arteries supplying blood to your heart, the heart’s structures such as valves and chambers, and the sac (pericardium) around your heart.

CT scans of the heart can identify narrowing or buildup in the arteries, problems with the heart valve function, birth defects and congenital heart problems, tumours, and high levels of calcium in the heart that could be an indicator of coronary artery disease.

What to wear for a CT scan of the heart (cardiac CT)?

Metal items can affect the quality of your CT scan images, so it is recommended that you leave any jewellery, belts and watches at home. Glasses, dentures, hairpins and some hearing aids may also need to be removed for your scan.

If you wear soft, comfortable clothing, you may be permitted to stay in your own clothes for your cardiac CT scan. However, you might be asked to change into a medical gown, to allow application of electrodes or if the clothing you arrive in is unsuitable for the scan.

What is the difference between a cardiac CT scan and MRI of the heart?

Depending on the reason for getting a scan of your heart, an MRI scan could be a better method for providing the diagnosis you’re looking for.

MRI scans usually take longer than CT scans, and are noisier and more enclosed, but they don’t use radiation and can be done without a contrast agent. CT scans are quicker, quieter, and less enclosed, so can be better suited for claustrophobic patients.

If you’ve received advice from your doctor or consultant that a CT scan is right for you, or if you’re seeking a scan independently, our expert clinical team can verify whether the scan is the right option for you once you’ve placed your booking.

How much does a cardiac (heart) CT scan cost?

Our cardiac CT scan prices start from £650. The price you pay upfront covers a complete package of care, which includes:

• A pre-scan consultation with a dedicated expert clinician, to discuss your symptoms and requirements
• A fast referral to your chosen scanning centre, with no GP visits and no waiting lists
• Your scan, at a convenient location near you
• A radiologist’s report of your results
• Access to your scan images upon request
• A post-scan consultation with your clinician if any next steps are required

Next Steps:

• Book a private cardiac (heart) CT scan today, to fast-track your diagnosis and get the answers you need
• Visit our news page to find out more about CT scans and the other types of scan we offer, including CT vs MRI guides

Sources used:

Radiology (ACR), R. S. of N. A. (RSNA) and A. C. of. (2020, June 15). Computed Tomography (CT) - Head. Radiologyinfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/headct

British Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Brain scans. Www.bhf.org.uk. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/tests/brain-scans‌

British Heart Foundation. (2019, June 18). CT scans of the brain. Bhf.org.uk; British Heart Foundation. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/tests/ct-scans-of-the-brain

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Brain. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/computed-tomography-ct-or-cat-scan-of-the-brain

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