A CT Scan in Los Angeles is a test used to provide images for Dr. Maddahi to evaluate the structure of your heart and vessels. Dr. Maddahi is highly experienced with these CT scans and uses state-of-the-art equipment in his Los Angeles office.
How Does It Work
Computed tomography, also known as a CT or CAT scan, is a medical imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures produced by a CT scan are more detailed than those produced by a standard x-ray. CT scans allow us to look at the body’s soft tissues, such as the heart and blood vessels.
CT scans use a special x-ray machine that rotates around the body and takes many pictures. A contrast dye enhances the pictures gained from computed tomography. X-rays are processed by a special computer to create three-dimensional pictures of your heart. These pictures are broken down into slices or cross-sections for a detailed examination of your heart without requiring invasive procedures.
Why Is It Done
Your doctor may recommend a computed tomography in Los Angeles to diagnose or monitor numerous cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease (blockages in your coronary arteries), heart valve disease (if your heart valves are damaged or not functioning properly), or congenital heart defects. If you experience chest pain and shortness of breath or have a history of heart attacks or strokes, computed tomography is essential.
What to Expect
CTA scans are done on an outpatient basis, and the entire test takes about 30 minutes. You’ll be asked to lie on a table that slides into a CT scanner. The scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You’ll need to hold very still during the scan. During the scan, an x-ray beam rotates around your body. Multiple images are taken and sent to a computer, which creates detailed pictures of your heart and arteries.
You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods during the scan to prevent blurry pictures. After the computed tomography in Los Angeles, you can go back to your normal activities. You may be asked to drink lots of water and pee often for the next 24 hours to flush the contrast dye out of your body. The dye is used to help the pictures of your arteries show up more clearly.
Your doctor will review the pictures from your computed tomography scan and let you know if there are any areas of concern.
Prevent Strokes & Restore Heart Health
Heart scans taken with state-of-the-art equipment are further enhanced by the experience and care of the staff at our Los Angeles office. Dr. Maddahi has over 35 years of experience pioneering heart research. He can translate that research into excellent patient care. Computed tomography is a non-invasive test — you don’t need an operation for us to see inside. Call 310-824-4991 or click here to schedule your heart CT scan in Los Angeles with Dr. Maddahi today.