A 64 slice CT heart scan is performed to evaluate the arteries of the heart, and can also be used to assess the function of the heart, the anatomy of the heart, and the degree of coronary calcification in the heart. The arteries of the heart are known as coronary arteries, and extend from the aorta to supply the heart itself with blood. These vessels are filled when the heart is relaxed.
64-Slice CT heart scans can detect disease in the coronaries that has resulted in narrowing of the arteries, which is usually created by atherosclerosis. This process occurs to some extent in all individuals, though it may be accelerated in those with high "cholesterol" levels (especially LDL). The end result is the creation of a "plaque" or narrowing of the coronary artery. If the coronary arteries become narrowed, the decreased blood flow to the heart may be felt as pain. If the coronary arteries are completely blocked, a heart attack will occur. If coronary artery disease is detected on your heart scan, you may be a candidate for an interventional procedure or surgery before a heart attack occurs. Overall, the primary benefit of a 64 slice CT scan is the prevention of a heart attack.
64 slice CT scans can also be used to evaluate the function of the heart. Images are re-created in real-time, and can be played as a video clip that show the movement of the heart during the heartbeat. If a patient has suffered a heart attack, the cardiac function will be altered, which can be seen on the cardiac function images. A 64 slice CT scan can thus be used to evaluate congestive heart failure, which is usually caused by a prior heart attack.
64-slice CT heart scans provide beautiful images of heart anatomy. This may be useful to your physician if you have congenital heart disease, which is abnormal heart disease that has been present since birth. A heart scan may detect a patent foramen ovale, for example.
Finally, 64-slice CT heart scans can provide a calcium score. The calcium score represents the amount of calcium that has built up in your heart. The higher the level of calcium, the higher your chance of narrowing in your arteries which may result in a heart attack.
For more information about 64 slice CT scans, please see our sections on side effects of 64 slice CT scans, finding a 64 CT scan center, and 64 slice CT angiogram. If you have any questions or comments, or were not able to find the information you were looking for, please fill out the quick submit form at the bottom of this page. We will attempt to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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