Before you go to the exam, how can you prepare for a heart scan? Find out what you need to do (and not do) before you undergo a heart CT scan.
The purpose of a heart CT scan is to find out if you have certain heart conditions. For instance, your doctor may order one if they suspect you have congenital heart disease, blood clots, defects or injuries, or a tumor. By undergoing a heart scan, your doctor will be able to explore your heart’s structure without having to do an invasive procedure.
However, these scans are not for everybody. If you are pregnant or there is a chance you are, or if you start breastfeeding, then it’s best to wait. However, if you’re ready to take this exam and want to know how to prepare for a heart scan, keep reading.
Preparing for a Heart Scan
Your doctor will let you know what you can and can’t eat before the exam and you should start following it 48 hours before your appointment. For example, you can’t consume carbohydrates sugar, artificial sweeteners, or anything breaded. Also, you shouldn’t take anything by mouth except for plain water (not flavored) 24 hours before your appointment. Ask your doctor about which medications you can take.
Some things you can eat as the main course include beef, turkey, pork (including bacon), fish, chicken, or eggs. For vegetables, you can eat broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Moreover, you should be well hydrated before the exam, so drink plenty of water.
In addition, you should avoid sugars and carbohydrates. For instance, you should avoid candy, cough drops, gum, breath mints, fruit and fruit juices, pasta, potatoes, rice, grains, jam, and jelly. You should also avoid bread, cookies, peanut butter, processed meats, ice cream, starchy vegetables, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine products.
The Day of Your Scan
Try to avoid wearing clothing with belts, zippers, snaps, or metal of any kind (that includes bras with underwires or clips). Due to the extent of the imaging process, most cardiac scans will take a total of three to six hours to complete. For this reason, it’s a good idea to bring a music player with you to keep you entertained. However, if you have not followed the instructions your doctor has given you, then the scan will have to be rescheduled.
The Outlook
By properly preparing for a heart scan, you’ll be able to get the most accurate results and avoid any problems during the exam. After your doctor receives the results, they will go over them with you and prescribe you the appropriate treatments.
If you want to boost your heart health, it’s a good idea to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and take supplements like L-arginine Plus. Its ingredients promote circulation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. You can give your heart the support it deserves by making healthy lifestyle choices and taking L-arginine Plus.