Cardiac CT Scan in Surrey
Private Cardiac CT and Coronary CT Angiography
We provide advanced cardiac CT imaging in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. This non-invasive heart scan produces detailed images of the coronary arteries and heart, helping clinicians investigate symptoms, assess cardiovascular risk and plan appropriate care with confidence.
What Is Cardiac CT?
Cardiac CT is a specialised computed tomography examination of the heart and its blood vessels. Often referred to as coronary CT angiography or CTCA, it uses X-rays and, in many cases, an iodine-based contrast injection to create detailed coronary artery imaging. Modern scanner technology can capture images very quickly, allowing us to assess the heart while minimising the effects of normal cardiac movement.
What Can a Cardiac CT Scan Detect?
A cardiac CT scan can provide important information about the coronary arteries, heart anatomy and surrounding structures. It is commonly used to investigate whether narrowing or disease within the coronary arteries may be contributing to symptoms or cardiovascular risk.
Depending on the type of examination requested, cardiac CT may help identify:
Coronary Artery Narrowing
Areas where fatty plaque may be reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Coronary Artery Calcification
Calcium within the artery walls, assessed through calcium scoring.
Coronary Artery Plaque
Both calcified and non-calcified plaque that may not be visible on a standard calcium score alone.
Congenital Coronary Variations
Differences in the origin or course of the coronary arteries.
Cardiac Anatomy
Structural features of the heart, great vessels and surrounding chest structures.
Other Chest Findings
Relevant incidental appearances in the lungs or mediastinum may also be noted where visible.
Common Applications of Cardiac CT
Coronary Artery Assessment
Coronary CT angiography examinations provide highly detailed views of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can help assess whether coronary artery disease is present and whether further investigation or treatment may be needed.
Investigation of Chest Pain
A cardiac CT scan may be considered for patients with new, recurrent or unexplained chest pain where coronary artery disease is a clinical concern. Your referring clinician will determine whether CTCA is the most appropriate test for your symptoms.
Coronary Calcium Scoring
A calcium scoring scan assessment is a low-dose CT examination that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The result can support cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly for people without known coronary artery disease.
Assessment for Coronary Artery Disease
For selected patients, cardiac CT can be used to assess suspected coronary artery disease without the need for an invasive catheter angiogram. It can provide valuable information to guide lifestyle advice, medication, onward cardiology review or further testing.
Cardiac Anatomy Assessment
Cardiac CT can evaluate the anatomy of the heart, coronary arteries and major blood vessels. It may be requested to investigate congenital differences, clarify findings from other tests or assist with planning for specialist cardiac procedures.
Why Choose a Cardiac CT Examination?
Cardiac CT is a fast, non-invasive way to assess the coronary arteries and cardiovascular anatomy. Unlike invasive coronary angiography, it does not usually require a catheter to be placed into an artery. With tailored protocols and modern low-dose CT technology, it can deliver clinically useful detail while keeping radiation exposure and contrast use as low as reasonably achievable.
If cardiac CT may be appropriate for you or your patient, we are here to help. Contact us to discuss a referral, suitable location and available appointment options.
Why Choose SHB Medical Imaging?
Latest-Generation CT Technology
We have access to advanced Canon CT technology at Frimley Park Hospital and GE Healthcare scanner platforms at Heatherwood and Wexham Park hospitals.
Single Heartbeat Acquisition
Our advanced cardiac CT protocols can obtain detailed coronary artery images in a single heartbeat where clinically appropriate, helping to deliver fast, accurate imaging.
Motion Correction Technology
Motion correction can improve image sharpness, including for some patients with faster heart rates, reducing the impact of normal heart movement during the scan.
Tailored Imaging Protocols
Our protocols are developed and refined by consultant radiologists. We tailor each scan to the clinical question rather than relying solely on generic manufacturer settings.
Low-Dose Cardiac CT
We use optimised low-dose CT protocols designed to achieve excellent diagnostic image quality with the lowest suitable radiation dose.
Reduced Contrast Requirements
Where possible, our protocols aim to reduce the amount of contrast medium required. This can be particularly helpful when contrast use requires careful consideration.
Specialist Consultant Reporting
Your images are interpreted by consultant radiologists with relevant cardiac and thoracic imaging expertise, combining technical knowledge with clinical understanding.
Local Private Access
SHB Medical Imaging brings NHS consultant expertise together with accessible private imaging, helping patients access specialist cardiothoracic imaging in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire without unnecessary travel.
The Patient Journey for a Cardiac CT Scan
Referral Received
We receive a referral from your consultant, GP or other appropriate healthcare professional. In some circumstances, we may be able to discuss self-referral options, although suitability must be clinically reviewed.
Clinical Review and Appointment
We review the request to ensure cardiac CT is appropriate for your clinical question. We then arrange an appointment at the most suitable available hospital location.
Preparation and Imaging
Before your scan, we explain the examination, any preparation requirements and the use of contrast where needed. The scan is performed using a specialist cardiac imaging protocol.
Consultant Interpretation
A consultant radiologist with cardiac imaging expertise carefully reviews your images alongside the clinical information provided by your referrer.
Comprehensive Report Delivered
We issue a detailed report to your referring clinician, supporting timely decisions regarding reassurance, treatment, cardiology review or further investigation where required.
How to Prepare for Your Cardiac CT Scan
Preparation varies according to the type of cardiac CT requested. You may be asked to avoid caffeine, smoking and strenuous exercise for a period before your appointment, as these can affect heart rate. You should continue or pause medication only as instructed by your referring clinician or our team. Please tell us about allergies, asthma, kidney problems, pregnancy, diabetes and any previous reaction to contrast medium. In some cases, medication may be used to lower the heart rate before scanning.
Working Across Leading Hospitals
SHB Medical Imaging provides cardiac imaging in Surrey and nearby Hampshire and Berkshire locations through hospital-based facilities. The most appropriate site depends on the examination required, scanner availability and your clinical needs.
Frimley Park Hospital
Portsmouth Road,
Frimley,
Camberley,
GU16 7UJ
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill,
Aldershot,
GU11 1AY
Clare Park Hospital
Crondall Lane,
Farnham,
GU10 5XX
Heatherwood Hospital
Brook Avenue,
Ascot
SL5 7GB
Wexham Park Hospital
Wexham Street,
Slough,
SL2 4HL
Questions about cardiac CT scans in Surrey
What is a Cardiac CT scan?
A cardiac CT scan is a specialised X-ray examination that produces detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries. Also called coronary CT angiography or CTCA, it may use an iodine-based contrast injection to show the blood vessels supplying the heart.
What can a Cardiac CT scan diagnose?
Cardiac CT can help assess coronary artery narrowing, calcified and non-calcified plaque, coronary artery disease, congenital coronary variations and cardiac anatomy. It may also identify relevant incidental findings in visible areas of the chest.
Who should consider having a private Cardiac CT scan?
A private cardiac CT scan may be suitable for people with chest pain, breathlessness, cardiovascular risk factors, inconclusive cardiac test results or a need for coronary calcium scoring. Suitability should always be reviewed by a GP, cardiologist or other appropriate clinician.
Can a Cardiac CT scan detect blocked or narrowed coronary arteries?
Yes. Coronary CT angiography can provide detailed images of the coronary arteries and help identify plaque or narrowing that may reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. Your clinician will use the results to decide whether further assessment or treatment is needed.
Do I need a GP or consultant referral for a private Cardiac CT scan?
A referral from a GP, consultant or appropriate healthcare professional is usually required so the examination can be clinically reviewed and tailored to your symptoms. SHB Medical Imaging may discuss self-referral options in some circumstances, subject to clinical suitability.
How should I prepare for a Cardiac CT scan?
Preparation depends on the type of cardiac CT examination. You may be asked to avoid caffeine, smoking and strenuous exercise beforehand. Tell the team about allergies, asthma, kidney problems, diabetes, pregnancy and any previous contrast reaction, and follow all medication instructions provided.
How long does a Cardiac CT scan take?
The image acquisition itself is usually very quick and may be completed within a single heartbeat using advanced cardiac CT protocols. Your overall appointment will be longer to allow for registration, preparation, possible heart-rate medication and contrast administration where required.
Is a Cardiac CT scan safe and does it involve radiation?
Cardiac CT uses X-rays and therefore involves radiation exposure. SHB Medical Imaging uses optimised low-dose cardiac CT protocols to keep the dose as low as reasonably achievable while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Contrast use is assessed carefully for each patient.
How quickly will I receive the results of my Cardiac CT scan?
Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist with relevant cardiac imaging expertise, and a detailed report is sent to your referring clinician. They will discuss the findings and any next steps with you. Contact SHB Medical Imaging for current reporting times.
What is the difference between a Cardiac CT scan and a Cardiac MRI scan?
Cardiac CT uses X-rays to provide particularly detailed images of the coronary arteries, calcium and cardiac anatomy, often very quickly. Cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields rather than radiation and is commonly used to assess heart muscle function, tissue characteristics and some structural conditions.
Why choose a private Cardiac CT scan instead of waiting for an NHS appointment?
Private cardiac CT can offer access to local hospital-based imaging in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, with consultant reporting and advanced scanner technology. Availability varies, but private access may help patients obtain an appropriate clinically reviewed scan without unnecessary travel.
Make a Referral for Cardiac CT
To discuss a referral for cardiac CT, coronary CT angiography, calcium scoring or a private heart scan in Berkshire patients can access locally, please contact SHB Medical Imaging today.
We can help confirm the appropriate examination, available location and any preparation requirements. Referring clinicians are welcome to contact us to discuss the most suitable imaging pathway for their patient.
TBC