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A CAT(computerized axial tomographic) scan uses x-rays to do detailed images of internal body structures and in this case the arteries of your heart. In addition it can look at the heart itself to see if there are any abnormalities of the muscle, the valves or the outer lining of the heart. When it comes to recognizing early blockages that may occur within the arteries of the heart it is a noninvasive approach which may save lives.

A CAT scanner is a large circular xray machine that resembles a large donut with a table sliding within the hole.

The patient lies on the table and the table will slide within the camera as the camera spins around you. The camera is connected to a computer which will reconstruct the images within minutes. Sometimes in certain cases an I.V. will be placed and contrast will be used to better visualize certain internal body parts. You may feel a warm sensation throughout your body as the injection occurs but this will last for only a few seconds. In general the entire procedure will under the camera will take only a few minutes.

CAT scans to detect early blockages of the arteries of your heart:

In this quick test that lasts seconds no iv contrast is used. The amount of calcium in the arteries of the heart is detected and a score is given. When we say calcium in the heart we are referring to actual cholesterol plaques that have built up in your arteries. The earlier that these are detected the sooner that changes can be made in your diet and lifestyle to help prevent progression of these plaques. Knowing your calcium score will give you an idea of how you compare to your peers and help your physician decide on appropriate therapy. In general a calcium score of zero is associated with a low risk of significant heart blockages while a score of 400 or greater is associated with a much higher risk of significant blockages. Prevention is the key to a long and happy life and therefore this simple test has become an increasingly valuable tool in the screening of patient at low to intermediate risk of heart blockages. If you have a strong family history of heart disease, are a diabetic, have high blood pressure, smoke cigaretees, or have high cholesterol or are overweight then discuss with your doctor this screening test.

In this CAT scan exam and i.v. is placed in a vein and contrast is injected. The procedure lasts several minutes and you may feel a warm sensation during the injection. This sensation will last briefly and is normal. The CAT scan via computer will reconstruct images of your heart which unlike the Calcium score will now give more detailed images of the cross section of the arteries of your heart. This will give your physician actual degrees of obstruction the arteries of your heart. When CTA images are compared to the invasive cardiac catheterization done at the hospital the correlation is exact in over 90% of the cases. Therefore when used in appropriate circumstances it may obviate the need for invasive cardiac catheterization.

Patients should always check with there physician and the CAT scan department the days prior to the exam for any special preparation. Usually there is no eating or drinking for several hours prior to the exam except for small amounts of clear liquids, no caffeine on the day of the exam, but one may take there regular medicines. Remember the actual exam is as little as 30 seconds but the preparation at the CT center can be as long as 30 minutes so prepare your schedule accordingly. Normally a patient may resume normal activities after the exam but check with the CT department for any special instructions.

CT angiograms which involve an i.v. do expose patients to a higher dose of radiation that calcium scores. There is new technology which is being evaluated to reduce this exposure. But the diagnostic benefit of any procedure must always be weighed against the risk. Furthermore x-ray contrast may cause a rare allergic reaction and it can cause kidney problems. Patients who have iodine allergies, contrast allergies, allergies to shellfish, kidney problems, may not be ideal candidates for this procedure and may consider a calcium score first. Again always consult with your physician for direction. The above individuals may require special preparation prior to the exam if done. Also patients over 300 lbs may not be ideal candidates.