A cardiac computed tomography angiography scan, or cardiac CT for short, is a diagnostic procedure a doctor can utilize to examine a patient's heart. This technique allows a doctor to visualize the inside of the heart and can enable her to detect heart malformations or heart disease. Because certain patients should not receive a cardiac CT, before this test is performed, patients should discuss cardiac CT contraindications with a medical professional.
Preexisting Cardiac Problems
Patients with certain preexisting cardiac problems should not undergo cardiac CT. During this procedure, a patient's heart rate must remain below 65 beats per minute to allow the doctor to get a clear image of the heart, the New York University Department of Radiology explains. Consequently, cardiac CT is contraindicated for patients who have irregular, uncontrolled heart rates, or arrhythmias. This test is also not recommended for patients who have experienced congestive heart failure, according to Udo Hoffmann and colleagues in a May 2006 article published in "The Journal of Nuclear Medicine."
Kidney Failure
A cardiac CT involves the injection of a contrast dye within a patient's heart. The kidneys are responsible for removing this dye toxin from the blood after a cardiac CT. Kidney failure or malfunction prevents the removal of the dye from the patient's body, which can lead to dye-related medical complications. Patients who have been diagnosed with kidney or renal disease or failure should not have this procedure performed, the NYU Department of Radiology warns.
Thyroid Problems or Thromboembolic Disorders
Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism, preclude evaluation with a cardiac CT, Hoffmann and colleagues report. Additionally, this test should not be used to evaluate patients with a history of thromboembolic problems, such as blood clots.
Dye or Medication Hypersensitivity
Patients who are allergic to the contrast due utilized during this procedure should not have a cardiac CT. Improper evaluation of hypersensitive patients can result in a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Patients with a history of allergies to other types of medication may also be at an increased risk of experiencing anaphylaxis during treatment.
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should not undergo a CT scan, Clarity Imaging warns. This diagnostic procedure may cause harm to a developing fetus if a woman is evaluated while pregnant.
References
- New York University Department of Radiology: Cardiac CT Angiography - Contraindications
- New York University Department of Radiology: Cardiac CT Angiography - Examination Description
- "The Journal of Nuclear Medicine;" Coronary CT Angiography; Udo Hoffmann, et al; May 2006
- Clarity Imaging: Cardiac CT/Coronary CTA - FAQs for Patients
- St. Joseph's Healthcare System: Cardiac CT Scan
