Preparing for your Exam

Important Forms:

In order to expedite your registration, please complete the following forms, print them and bring them with you to your exam.

• Consent for IV Contrast
• Patient Information Form

How do I prepare for the test?

• Do not eat anything 3 hours prior to your appointment.
• Drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated before the test.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soda as well as chocolate on the day of the exam.
• Take all your regular medications.
• Do not take medications such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra 12 hours before the test.
• You also will need to bring your doctor’s prescription as well a recent blood test results that establish your kidney function on your appointment day if not already sent to us.

What should I expect during my exam?

Arrive early enough prior to your exam to fill out necessary paperwork and insurance information. Your stay in the department should range form 30 to 90 minutes; please plan accordingly.

The nurse will greet you and assess your vital signs by measuring your heart rate and blood pressure. Then our expert nurse will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. If your heart rate is too fast, you may be given a drug to slow your heart rate called a beta blocker, generally Lopressor (metoprolol). A slower heart rate allows for better image quality by reducing cardiac motion.

You will then be escorted into the scanner where the CT Technologist will position you on the CT table; your head and arms remain outside of the camera at all times and claustrophobia is not an issue. EKG leads will be placed on your chest to register the ECG signal. This ECG signal or heart rhythm is read by the CT scanner to precisely acquire the image data of the heart during a specific cardiac phase. You will be instructed to hold your breath for approximately 5-8 seconds while Intravenous contrast is administered through the IV in your arm. You will experience a warm sensation that lasts for a few seconds and then diminishes. You will not experience any pain during the procedure. The scan of the heart is acquired in 2-3 heart beats.

You will be instructed to drink plenty of water after the test to help flush out the intravenous contrast that was administered. In addition, if you are a diabetic you may be instructed to contact your primary care physician to have an additional blood test to check kidney function. You will be able to leave directly after the procedure, and can perform all normal functions, including driving.

How will I know my results?

Our world renowned expert, Dr. Harvey Hecht, along with an expert team of Cardiologists and Radiologists at the Lenox Hill Hospital and Heart and Vascular Institute, will call your physician with the results, usually on the same day, and no later than 24 hours. These results will help your physician devise the best treatment plan based on the most sophisticated cardiac analysis. Patients will have the option of reviewing their results before leaving the facility based on physician availability.

How do I schedule my appointment?

You can schedule your appointment by calling 212-434-2900 or you can request your appointment time on line by clicking here.