A cardiac CT scan helps doctors find heart problems early, when treatment and prevention are most effective. Our CT scanners create clear, high-quality images in less time and with less radiation than other scanners. Heart imaging experts then quickly review your images, giving you more peace of mind and a personalized treatment plan.
What Is a Cardiac CT?
Cardiac computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a painless test that shows detailed images of your heart and blood vessels. It uses X-rays and computer technology to make these images.
Heart CT helps your doctor diagnose cardiovascular problems including:
- Coronary heart disease, a buildup of plaque in the arteries
- Problems with the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body
- Problems with the pulmonary veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart
Heart CTs help cardiologists and surgeons in our Structural Heart Program safely perform minimally invasive valve replacement procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Using cardiac CT images, they can take precise measurements of the heart’s anatomy to better plan for these procedures.
Calcium Score Test
A calcium score test measures calcium in the heart’s arteries. Doctors detect calcium levels using a cardiac CT scan. Calcium scoring does not require contrast (an iodine-based dye that we administer intravenously [IV]).
Plaque from cholesterol and fats builds up in your arteries. This plaque can calcify (harden) over time, turning into calcium. The less calcium you have, the lower your risk for heart disease and future heart attacks.
A calcium score test helps doctors determine the best treatment or prevention plan for you. Our Preventive Cardiology and Apheresis Clinic may be helpful for people:
- With a family history of coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease
- With established heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity
- Deciding whether to take or come off certain cholesterol medications
Cardiac CT: The Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Advantage
Cardiac CTs capture pictures of your heart, along with nearby structures like the lungs and spine. Our cardiologists and radiologists (imaging specialists) work together to review your images. Their combined expertise ensures you receive the most accurate results possible.
You can also expect:
- Fast answers: Because our Heart Group cardiologists and radiologists are on-site, they can review your images quickly. That way, you don’t have to wait long for your results.
- Imaging expertise: Our team includes advanced cardiac imagers. These specialists are cardiologists who have completed the highest level of training (fellowship training) in cardiac imaging. Their knowledge and skill help us get more details from your scans—leading to more effective treatment plans.
- Next-generation CT scanners: Our advanced CT scanners image the entire heart in just one heartbeat, making your visit quicker and more comfortable. And because our scanners have faster processing speeds, you are exposed to less radiation than traditional CT scanners.
Cardiac CT Locations
We offer inpatient and outpatient cardiac CTs at our main Heart & Vascular Institute location at Lancaster General Hospital.
What to Expect During a Heart CT Scan
During a cardiac CT scan:
- An X-ray machine moves around your body, taking pictures of your heart.
- A computer combines the pictures to create a complete 3D image of your heart.
- You may or may not need contrast for the scan. (If you do, the test is called a CT angiogram). You may briefly feel short of breath, flushed or lightheaded when the contrast is administered. But the feeling should go away quickly.
To ensure the highest quality images, you may take these medications the day of your scan:
- Prescription beta blocker: This medication safely slows your heart rate, which leads to better images. The effects of this medication wear off in a few hours.
- Nitroglycerine pill: You keep the pill under your tongue for about 10 minutes before the scan. It helps relax the blood vessels in the heart, so they appear larger. Doctors can then more easily spot narrow areas or blockages in the vessels. The pill may make you feel temporarily lightheaded.
Schedule a Cardiac CT
To schedule a cardiac CT, call 717-544-5941.