64 Slice Cardiac CT Scan

64 slice cardiac CT scans are performed to evaluate the arteries of the heart, and can also be used to assess cardiac function, cardiac anatomy, and calcification of coronary arteries. 

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 cardiac CT 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.  A 64 slice cardiac CT scans is important in establishing coronary artery disease.  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 cardiac CT scans scan is the prevention of a heart attack through early detection of coronary artery disease.

64 slice cardiac CT scans are also useful in evaluating cardiac function.  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 most often caused caused by a prior heart attack. 

64 slice cardiac CT scans provide beautiful images of cardiac 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 cardiac CT scan may also detect other important anatomic findings, including a small opening between the atria known as a patent foramen ovale. 

A calcium score is usually performed on 64 slice cardiac CT scans.  The calcium score represents the amount of calcium that has built up in the arteries of the heart.  The higher the level of calcium, the higher the chance of developing coronary artery disease, 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, 64 Slice Coronary CTA, 64 Slice Heart Scan, and 64 slice CT angiogram.

More images of 64 slice cardiac CT scans

64-Slice Cardiac CT Scan Demonstrating Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

64-Slice Cardiac CT Scan Demonstrating Coronary Arteries with Calcification

64-Slice Cardiac CT Scan Demonstrating Right Coronary Artery