Learn More
When you’re having trouble with your heart, getting tested can be the best way to determine what’s causing your troubles. Through our team of cardiologists and specialists, we work with our patients in Detroit, MI to provide ways to diagnose, care for, and prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease. One of the top ways that we diagnose cardiovascular disease is through a computerized cardiac tomography test.
How We Perform a Cardiac CT Scan
While traditional CT scans offer an overview of your body, a cardiac computerized tomography scan gives us a fully visualized version of your cardiac system. Through using state-of-the-art CT scanners, we’re able to acquire high-resolution images to evaluate your heart and vessels and diagnose any problems. Computerized tomography uses a combination of x-rays and computers to produce images. Because today’s CT scanners are faster than ever, Dr. Nithin Gottam can provide a detailed analysis for:
- Your heart’s anatomy and structure
- How adequately your heart pumps blood to your body
- Potential heart muscle scarring from heart attacks
- Your potential risk for heart attacks
- Signs of plaque buildup in the arteries
- Any possible abnormalities throughout the large blood vessels
In some cases, Dr. Gottam may use a contrast dye, also referred to as iodine, and insert the dye into your blood vessels. This method allows the dye to travel through the veins and show up on the CT image to create a more accurate image. The contrast dye works to show blockages within the arteries, diagnose congenital heart defects, and look at how the heart’s ventricles are currently working. In other diagnostic tests, performing a CT without the contrast dye can help measure the amount of calcium going through the heart arteries, referred to as a calcium score.
Both of these types of tests are essential when it comes to diagnosing conditions related to your heart, and depending on your current health, Dr. Gottam may perform a cardiac CT scan to see if any heart troubles are present. A cardiac CT scan is painless and noninvasive, and the only risks associated with computerized cardiac tomography are low doses of x-rays used to get the images. Pregnant women and people without signs of heart problems should not take this test. During your consultation, it’s also essential to notify us if you have any allergic reactions to contrast dye, iodine, or shellfish to prevent any potential complications from occurring.
Our Team Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
At Metro Detroit Cardiovascular Associates, we focus on providing the highest quality cardiovascular care and work to keep hearts healthy and active. We provide a full scope of cardiovascular services backed by our experience, expertise, and the latest technology to help control heart factors such as blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose through various treatment plans. Our treatment plans work with you to give you the most out of your heart care and help you have a healthier heart. Contact Metro Detroit Cardiovascular Associates to arrange an appointment with us today for more information about our services, diagnostics, and treatment options in Detroit, MI.
