Methods
Echocardiogram
Echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves to produce live images of your heart. The image is called an echocardiogram. This test allows your doctor to monitor how your heart and its valves are functioning.
The images can help them get information about:
- the size of the heart, for instance, if there is any change in the chamber size, dilation, or thickening
- blood clots in the heart chambers
- fluid in the sac around the heart
- problems with the aorta, which is the main artery connected to the heart
- problems with the pumping function or relaxing function of the heart
- problems with the function of heart valves
- pressure in the heart
An echocardiogram is key in determining the health of the heart muscle, especially after a heart attack. It can also reveal heart defects, or irregularities, in unborn babies.
Getting an echocardiogram is painless. There are only risks in very rare cases with certain types of echocardiograms or if contrast is used for the echocardiogram.
For All Cardiac Imaging No Tea, coffee, caffeine, chocolate, smoking or exercise 12 hours prior to the scan. these will all negatively affect your imaging and in can often stop us from being able to take the scans due to heartrate being too high or erratic.
Cardiac CT
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) is a study of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. Disease of these blood vessels is considered the main cause of heart attacks. CTCA is able to assess the degree of narrowing in the coronary arteries and is able to detect both soft and calcified plaque.
The anatomy of the entire heart and the adjacent aorta is also assessed. The scan is performed using the latest multi-slice CT (Computed Tomography) scanner. This examination involves an injection of x-ray dye (contrast) via a cannula (thin tube) into the vein in your arm to outline the arteries during the scan. In addition to the IV Contrast you may receive medication to temporarily slow your heart rate down for the procedure if it sits at too high of a resting heart rate.
CTCA does not replace conventional cardiac catheterisation, and may not be suitable for all patients.
A Calcium Score Test will also be performed at the same time as the CT Coronary Angiogram if required (this can also be done separately without contrast).
For All Cardiac Imaging No Tea, coffee, caffeine, chocolate, smoking or exercise 12 hours prior to the scan. these will all negatively affect your imaging and in can often stop us from being able to take the scans due to heartrate being too high or erratic.
Please stay well hydrated and fast for 4 hours prior.
Please allow at least an hour after your appointment in case we need to give medication to lower your heartrate to a level which allows us to perform our imaging. Echo and calcium scores normally do not require this.
If these conditions are met, you cannot or should not have a cardiac CT examination carried out, or only after consulting a doctor:
- If you are pregnant, no computed tomography should be done.
- Have you ever had an allergic reaction to contrast media containing iodine? Contrast agents are used to improve the representation of structures and functions of the body. Since contrast media containing iodine are used, you should inform us in advance of any intolerances or allergies you may have.
- Is your kidney function impaired? Contrast media can interfere with kidney function. The extent of the kidney disease should therefore be known. Therefore, a current creatinine value should be available for the examination. As a preventive measure, it is advisable to drink as much liquid as possible before and after such an examination.
- Do you take metformin (eg Glucophage®) for diabetes? Delayed degradation of metformin can occur in combination with a contrast medium. There is therefore a risk of hypoglycaemia. Therefore, the intake of metformin must be paused 2 days after a contrast-enhanced CT. Please discuss this with your treating doctor.
- Do you have an overactive thyroid ? The iodine contained in the contrast medium can disrupt the thyroid metabolism. Therefore, if you suffer from an overactive thyroid gland, you may only be examined with a contrast agent after the doctor has previously treated the thyroid gland (so-called “thyroid blockade”).
- Do you suffer from a plasmacytoma (multiple myeloma)? Since kidney damage can occur in patients with a plasmacytoma, certain laboratory values to assess kidney function (creatinine) should be checked before an examination with contrast medium.
- In the case of a greatly reduced GFR (<30) or reduced TSH value, individual consultation with the treating physicians must be held before the examination
Cardiac MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive test doctors use to diagnose medical conditions.
MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures. MRI does not use radiation (x-rays).
The main difference between most normal MRIs and a Cardiac MRI is the possible use contrast and the use of short breath holding techniques to ensure. you may be given some medication to slow your heart rate down if it sits at too high of a resting heart rate.
If these conditions are met, you should not or should not have a cardiac MRI examination carried out, or only after consulting a doctor:
- Known allergy to MR contrast agent (if contrast agent is important for the examination)
- Overweight (> 135 kg)
- Claustrophobia ("fear of claustrophobia"): In most cases, the examination can be carried out very well with a small dose of a sedative, but after that you are no longer allowed to drive for about 4 hours.
- Pregnancy (first 3 months)
For All Cardiac Imaging No Tea, coffee, caffeine, chocolate, smoking or exercise 12 hours prior to the scan. these will all negatively affect your imaging and in can often stop us from being able to take the scans due to heartrate being too high or erratic.