HeartView
On the Day
Welcome. Our receptionist will let the technician know you’ve arrived. You’ll then go to our preparation area to change into a gown, and the technician will ask for some health history information and record your blood pressure and pulse rate.
Happy to proceed? The procedure will be fully explained and you’ll have the chance to ask questions. You’ll then be asked to sign a consent form stating that the procedure has been explained and you’re happy to proceed.
A stable rhythm. Generally patients will require an oral medication, known as a beta-blocker, to lower the heart rate. A further dose may be given if the heart rate remains high. You will be asked to wait at least 45 mins for the beta blockers to take effect before you are taken to the HeartView suite.
Getting ready. Once your heart is in a stable rhythm, you’ll go into the HeartView suite and lay down and ECG leads will be placed on your chest. These leads allow your heart to be monitored throughout the procedure. An IV cannula will also be placed in your arm to administer a ‘contrast’ fluid. This highlights the arteries in your heart.
Your HeartView scan. Breathing instructions will be given and a spray of Nitroglycerin under your tongue to dilate your blood vessels. The imaging will then commence.
FAQs
Are there any side effects?
You will be exposed to a small dose of x-rays, however it is unlikely to cause harmful effects. Following the injection of contrast you may notice a sensation of warmth and a metallic taste in the mouth. Very occasionally transient side effects such as nausea or an itchy rash may occur, but other reactions are extremely rare. If there is a chance you may be pregnant you should inform us before the examination.
How long will the procedure take?
The HeartView scan will take around 10 minutes. Aim to be at our clinic for 1-2 hours.
What is HeartView?
HeartView is a fast, non-invasive CT imaging scan that provides you with a complete and accurate assessment of the coronary arteries of your heart. It’s a fast, accurate and safe way to exclude the presence of coronary artery disease or provide you with the earliest possible evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the term given to atherosclerosis, a hardening of the coronary arteries as a result of a build-up of plaque insidethe artery wall.
HeartView uses a fast CT scanner to take a series of cross section X-Ray pictures of your heart. These individual X-Rays are then combined to create a complete 3D picture of your heart and all its arteries. From a Radiologist’s perspective, viewing this 3D picture is like seeing inside your body. It’s this, together with their specialist expertise, which enables the most accurate assessment to be made.
Preparation
When you make your HeartView appointment, our staff will ask a few questions and take you through some dos and don’ts. For instance:
- If you regularly take medication, you’ll be advised which medications you should and shouldn’t take on the day of the procedure
- You’ll be advised only to have a very light breakfast or lunch before your procedure. However, you can drink as much clear water as you wish
- You’ll be asked not have any caffeine or stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate, coca cola, cigarettes 12 hours before your procedure
- And remember, if you're diabetic; please inform staff when you make your appointment.
- For more information about your procedure download the HeartView InfoGuide booklet for patients.