Preparations - Cardiac Imaging

The preparation for a Cardiac Imaging exam depends on the particular exam you are having. Please choose from the exams below.

Preparing for a CTA Exam (Computerized Axial Tomography Angiogram)

• Do not eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to the exam. Medications may be taken with a small sip of water.
• You will be asked whether you have asthma or any allergies to food or drugs, and what medications you are currently taking. Some medications can interfere with the exam. We will advise you whether or not it should be taken the date of the exam.
• If you are pregnant, you should inform the technologist before the procedure.
• You probably will not have to undress if you are having an exam of the head, neck, arms, or legs, but you will have to remove any jewelry, hair clips, dentures and the like that could show up on the X-rays and make them hard to interpret.
  Note: If you are 80 years or older, or have kidney disease or renal insufficiency and are having a CT w/IV Contrast, our center must obtain lab work from your physician, containing a Serum Creatinine and BUN level.
  

Preparing for a Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Heart)

No preparation is needed prior to a Cardiac MRI. And there are no dietary restrictions prior to your MRI Examination. However, as with all MRI procedures, a strong magnetic field used for MRI will pull on any iron-containing object from the body.

Please advise our office before you appointment if you have any of the following:

• Surgical Vascular Clips
• Cochlear Implants
• Breast Tissue Expander
• Pacemaker
• Neurostimulators
• IVC Filter
• Penile Implants
• Claustrophobia
• Silver Backed Dermal Medication Patches

NOTE: All metal objects will need to be removed. For your protection, do not wear any watches, rings, bracelets, and earrings, necklaces. Credit Card and ATM card magnetic codes will be erased by the MRI's magnetic field. And they should be kept away from the scanner room. Patients with metallic or electronic implants should alert the radiologist prior to entering the scanning room. A locked closet will be available for your keys and other personal belongs.

Preparing for a Cardiac Nuclear Medicine Exam

• Please advise our office with all medications you are taking. Some medications can interfere with the exam. We will advise you whether or not it should be taken the date of the exam.
• You should avoid caffeine and smoking for 48 hours before the examination.
• You should not eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure.
• Wear comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes and loose-fitting clothes, and bring a jacket or sweater for your exam.
• Please advise our office if you have asthma or a chronic lung disease or have problems with your knees, hips or keeping your balance, which may limit your ability to perform the exercise needed for this procedure. The technologist or supervision physician will then be notified.

Preparing for Other Cardiac Exams

For information on preparing for other cardiac exams (such as P.E.T., CT/P.E.T. Fusion, etc.), please refer to the Preparations page for that exam.