Chest Pain - Frequently Asked Questions

Who should have a CT Scan?

Patients who have any of the following:

• Chest pain - differential diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. of heart disease (rule-out heart disease)
• Atypical symptoms - suggestive of heart disease
• Abnormal ECGThe abbreviation for electrocardiogram, a tracing of the electrical activity of the heart to help in the diagnosis of heart disease. or Stress test with inconclusive diagnosis
• High risk individuals with multiple risk factors (diabetesA disorder caused by insufficient or absent production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas, or because the tissues are resistant to the effects., high cholesterolA substance present in many tissues and an important constituent of cell membranes although high concentrations of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood are unhealthy., family history of heart disease, smoker with abnormal test results and a high suspicion of coronary artery diseaseNarrowing of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as angina and sometimes to a heart attack or myocardial infarction)
• Follow up patients with known heart disease, e.g. evaluation of bypass grafts etc 
• Other indications

If I have chest pain what should I do?

1. Sudden onset of chest pain associated with shortness of breath and sweating may be a potentially life threatening situation and patients must call 999 and go directly to an emergency health care centre
2. Other forms of chronicA disease of long duration generally involving slow changes. or mild chest pain or ‘cardiacRelating to the heart sounding’ symptoms - Dual-source CT coronary angiogramAn X-ray image of the coronary arteries, which is taken after introducing a catheter through a blood vessel and threading it towards the heart, then injecting a contrast medium to improve visibility. provides a robust, rapid and accurate diagnosis. This can be performed rapidly at CIRC and experts will be able to provide a rapid diagnosis of heart disease
3. Other indications - See above

How can I get to see you and your team at CIRC?

You can be referred to CIRC by your own physician, often you may be required to ask specifically since these techniques are new and evolving and many GPs are still unaware of the risk-benefits, OR you can call our help line (+44 (0)207 483 5062) or check the website (www.heart-scan.co.uk)  and seek advice from the experts at CIRC. Alternatively - please click here for our simple online form.

What other areas of heart disease should I be aware of?

Heart disease is often associated with a cluster of risk factors: e.g. family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressureThe pressure of blood within the arteries., diabetes, smoking, obesityExcess accumulation of fat in the body., inactivity, males over 40 and females over 50. Early assessment and management will have clear long-term benefits on health. We at CIRC are able to provide consultant led advice.