The heart is one of the most important organs of the human body, therefore, its work must be constantly monitored in order to timely detect failures in its functioning and begin treatment in the presence of any diseases. Today there are a huge number of different research methods. Among them, the most effective is a CT scan of the heart. Computed tomography allows you to get a complete picture of the state of the internal organ and assess the condition of a person. What is a layered diagnosis based on x-rays, we learn from this article.
general information
If we consider such modern research methods as CT or MRI of the heart, then the first is more informative. It allows cardiologists to evaluate not only the state of the main organ of the body, but also the circulatory system as a whole. With the help of computed tomography, it is possible to diagnose many ailments at the very initial stage, when they are best treatable. Due to this, the development of undesirable consequences is almost completely excluded.
For computed tomography, modern diagnostic equipment is used that scans the human body in three-dimensional projection. At the same time, the devices do not emit any harmful radiation, so they are completely safe for people who have any kind of cardiovascular disease. Tomographs allow doctors to conduct several types of scans, which helps them select the most effective treatment program.
A few words about coronarography
So what is she like? CT of the vessels of the heart is a special examination method that allows you to assess the condition of arteries and capillaries. This type of laboratory research is very complex.
It is based on the fact that a special substance is allowed through the veins, thanks to which the tomograph is able to show the following pathologies:
- mitral valve insufficiency;
- angina pectoris;
- acute and chronic inflammation of the pericardium;
- dilatation of the atria and ventricles;
- impaired circulation of the heart;
- sclerosis;
- arrhythmia;
- thrombosis;
- lesions of the walls of blood vessels.
CT of the heart with contrast is performed in layers. Special sensors receive and record information on how soft tissues pass and absorb x-rays. Step-by-step removal of sections allows you to get the most accurate clinical picture of the patient’s condition and make a diagnosis with almost one hundred percent accuracy.
In what cases is computed tomography prescribed?
Let's dwell on this in more detail. The basis for the appointment of CT of the heart are the following complaints of the patient:
- pain in the area of the scapula or chest, manifested with a certain frequency;
- dyspnea;
- high blood pressure;
- significant excess of calcium in the blood;
- angina pectoris.
In addition to all of the above, computed tomography is a mandatory analysis for people who have suffered myocardial infarction. This research method allows medical staff to assess the patient’s condition and to identify the presence of complications that may be hazardous to health or fatal.
Contraindications
This item should be given special importance. CT of the heart (as shown by this type of laboratory research, we have already figured it out) may not be carried out in all cases.
It is contraindicated in people suffering from:
- kidney or liver failure;
- internal bleeding;
- hypocoagulation;
- severe incurable diseases occurring in the last stage;
- fears of confined spaces;
- allergies to iodine and seafood.
Also, CT is not prescribed for future and nursing mothers, children under 14 years of age. In addition, it is not recommended to conduct computed tomography for people who are diagnosed with generalized plasmacytoma, diabetes mellitus or any thyroid problems. But here everything remains at the discretion of doctors who decide on the feasibility of computed tomography.
Preparing the patient for examination
Each person who has been prescribed a CT scan of the heart must first prepare for this procedure. No action on the part of the patient is required, all are done by medical staff. They inject a special contrast medium into a vein. In addition, 24 hours before the examination, you will need to exclude from the food all foods that can affect the functioning of the heart, for example, increase or decrease the number of beats per minute. This is necessary so that doctors can get more accurate information. In some cases, as a rule, in the presence of various diseases of the cardiovascular system, medications that normalize the heartbeat may be prescribed.
How does computed tomography with contrast work?
What you need to know about this? As mentioned earlier, CT of the heart and coronary arteries is a very complex procedure. It is carried out in a specially equipped room in which a tomograph is installed. Before entering the office, the patient must remove all iron objects, the belt, and put any electronic objects out of his pockets. After that, a contrast medium is injected into his blood vessels, and he lies on a movable table, which drives into the tomograph, resembling in appearance a huge long tunnel. The doctor is in the next room, separated from the diagnostic room by a viewing window. Communication between the patient and the specialist is carried out using a microphone and speaker. The results of the study are displayed and stored on a modern device. In the process of computed tomography, there are no unpleasant or painful sensations, as well as negative consequences.
The basis for the appointment of coronography
What is it like? CT of the heart and coronary vessels using a contrast drug is prescribed by doctors in those cases when they need to get a picture of the patient's circulatory system. This drug is a kind of paint that gives the x-ray picture greater clarity.
What information does the study provide to doctors?
Computed coronary angiography gives a three-dimensional picture of the heart and coronary arteries. This creates a kind of 3D-model of the internal organ, on the basis of which profiled specialists can evaluate its condition and detect any pathology at their very first stage. The study is highly accurate, and based on its results, an accurate diagnosis is made and the most effective treatment program is selected.
Types of Examination
CT angiography of the heart is very popular in modern medicine, but this is not the only way to assess the condition of the cardiovascular system of patients.
The following types of computed tomography are available:
- radioisotope research;
- electrocardiography;
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- phonocardiography;
- optical coherence tomography ;
- electrophysiological study.
Each method has its own specific characteristics and provides various information, so cardiologists, when prescribing a particular examination method, are guided by what interests them, as well as what complaints the patient has.
General contrast tomography
What it is? This method of CT of the heart is one of the most common and allows you to get an overall picture of the patient's condition. It is carried out on a conventional tomograph using a special contrast agent, which runs through the blood vessels. Thanks to this type of examination, doctors can timely detect and begin treatment of most diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Contrast examination of the heart vessels
What is it for? This type of computed tomography is aimed at studying the vessels of the thoracic region responsible for supplying the heart with blood. It allows you to obtain information about the anatomical features of the internal organ and arteries, as well as to obtain information about deviations in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Multi-layer contrast diagnostics
This type of CT scan of the heart and coronary arteries was discovered relatively recently, however, it has many advantages compared to the general method of investigation, since it takes much less time and creates a relatively small load on the patient's body. Contrast drug runs through the veins through the spinal cord, which allows you to analyze the circulatory system in dynamics.
Angiographic examination of the heart
This is one of the most advanced methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease at all stages. This examination is prescribed to all patients who are preparing for operations on the heart or arteries to restore normal blood flow, as well as percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty. Contrast material is introduced through a special catheter, which is passed through the femoral artery to the blood vessels of the heart.
Multislice diagnostics
The study, which is carried out using special x-ray equipment that emits a small amount of radiation, due to which the negative impact on the body is minimized.
The main advantages of this type of hardware diagnostics are:
- maximum comfort for the patient during x-ray;
- complete absence of discomfort and pain;
- simplicity of carrying out;
- high accuracy of diagnosis;
- detailed information about the patient's condition.
In addition to all of the above, multislice computed tomography can detect the presence of any diseases and pathologies directly during the examination.
Survey cost
Today, one of the most common research methods, which is used to assess the state of the circulatory system of patients with various problems, is a CT scan of the heart vessels. Prices for it can vary in a very wide range. It all depends on the type of medical facility. In private clinics, prices are at a higher level than in state. In addition, the cost depends on the type of study, as well as some other factors. When contacting a commercial hospital, you will have to pay an average of 8 to 30 thousand rubles, depending on the region of residence.
This amount may seem rather large, especially considering the size of the average wage, however, many diseases of the cardiovascular system require immediate treatment, and they can only be detected using computed tomography. Do not save on your health, as this can be fraught with various negative consequences.