Cardiac CT - Specialists and information

Cardiac CT or cardio-CT (short for cardiac computed tomography) is an imaging examination of the heart. It enables the coronary arteries to be assessed without the need for surgical intervention.

Below you will find further information and selected cardiac CT specialists.

What is a cardiac CT scan?

A cardiac CT or cardio-CT (short for cardiac computed tomography) makes it possible to examine the coronary arteries without surgical intervention. With a cardiac CT scan, doctors can better assess possible deposits and constrictions.

During the examination, the doctor will perform an ECG. Blurring that causes the heart to move can thus be reduced.

The results of a cardiac CT scan are thin slices with a thickness of 0.6 mm. Together they produce an image of the heart. The cardiologist evaluates these in the form of a three-dimensional data set.

The heartCT shows the coronary arteries @ samunella /AdobeStock

The procedure is used for high-risk patients in particular. This diagnostic procedure has been established for over 15 years.

How does a cardiac CT scan work?

Before the CT scan, the doctor will perform an ECG. The pure examination time with contrast media is 15 minutes. The data evaluation takes 20 minutes. You should therefore allow 45 to 60 minutes in total.

Your heart rate must not exceed 70/min during the examination. A short-term beta blocker is used to reduce the heart rate. You should therefore remain calm during the examination.

The cardiologist will administer some nitro spray under your tongue to dilate the coronary arteries. The 3D post-processing of the computer tomography visualizes constrictions and calcifications.

What diseases can a cardiac CT scan diagnose?

Modern cardiac CT reveals calcifications of the coronary arteries and deposits at an early stage.

If you feel a severe tightness in your chest, have chest pain or suffer from shortness of breath, a CT scan is advisable. Cardiac CT detects pathological changes at a very early stage. This reduces the risk of a serious heart attack resulting in death.

In principle, cardiac CT is also used to monitor the progress of a bypass or stent operation. It is also used as a quick and informative examination for accident victims with serious injuries.

Aims of a cardiac CT scan

The main aim of a cardiac CT scan is to detect and prevent serious heart disease. Of course, this is especially true for high-risk groups. This will dispel any suspicion of coronary heart disease. This is because coronary heart attacks are still the most common cause of death in Germany and the western world.

Alternatives to cardiac CT

As an alternative to cardiac CT, stress echocardiography can be used to determine cardiovascular diseases. Cardio-MRI does not require X-rays and is used to clarify heart complaints if a narrowing of the coronary arteries is unlikely.

Nevertheless, such an examination can also be useful in cases of medium and high risk. Both cardiac CT and cardiac MRI are established cardiac imaging procedures.

The highest level of radiation is found in cardiac catheterization. Cardiac catheterization is a routine surgical procedure. The catheter involves some risks and is often associated with a hospital stay of several days.

Although myocardial scintigraphy provides blurred images, it helps to detect circulatory and functional disorders of the heart.

Advantages over other diagnostic methods

Computed tomography has several advantages. The doctor can detect deposits and other irregularities at an early stage using cardiac CT. In addition, he can assess the area around the heart better than with a catheter.

Doctors have even detected lung cancer and pulmonary embolisms in this way. However, if the coronary arteries are narrowed, a cardiac catheter must still be used.

Last but not least, cardiac CT even makes it possible to examine the heart under stress. This sometimes reveals circulatory disorders that go unnoticed when the heart is at rest.

In most cases , cardiac CT is sufficient as a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. However, most statutory health insurance companies do not yet pay for this procedure. The cost of a cardio-CT is around 400 euros.

If in doubt, contact your health insurance provider. In certain cases, the costs may be partially covered. Private health insurance companies, however, will cover this examination.

A cardiacCT uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the heart @ Tyler Olson /AdobeStock

Specialists for cardiac CT

Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are specialists in the field of heart disease. They are also responsible for the diagnostic method of cardiac CT. Specialists in the field of radiology also come into question.

Cardiology is a branch of internal medicine.

During the examination, cardiologists look for

• High blood pressure
• cardiac arrhythmia
• inflammation of the heart muscle
• heart valve defects
• heart failure
• Signs of a heart attack

The heart specialists will inform you about preventive measures and suitable types of sport that are appropriate for your age and fitness level. Moderate exercise is usually sufficient.

Aftercare and what patients need to look out for

After treatment with contrast medium, you should drink plenty of fluids so that it can be quickly excreted via the kidneys. There are no restrictions for you in everyday life. You will receive the results of the evaluation after a few days at the latest.

Before the examination, it is important that you abstain from tea, nicotine and caffeinated drinks for at least 24 hours. On request, you will receive the analyzed recordings on a CD or as a download. A concluding consultation in which further questions are answered is also possible.

Success of treatment and possible risks

Cardiac CT is usually carried out without complications. There are no life-threatening risks. Allergies to the contrast medium used are extremely rare.

In addition, the radiation exposure is much lower compared to cardiac catheterization. This has been continuously reduced since the procedure was introduced. Today it is 1-3 millisieverts (as opposed to 20-30 millisieverts in the early days).

Other side effects of the medication sometimes occur. Dizziness and fatigue or temporarily low blood pressure are among the most common consequences. Arterial injuries and arterial bleeding during cardiac CT are excluded.

Conclusion and summary

Cardiac CT is an effective diagnostic procedure for the early detection of various heart diseases. Compared to other procedures, it has many advantages and few disadvantages or risks.

The advantages are the non-invasive procedure and the low radiation exposure. It has been an established standard in cardiology examination centers and heart clinics for many years.