Ct scan concerns

[Fifimyangel]

I have a ct scan with contrast booked for next week. I have a pacemaker and AF. Has anyone had a ct scan with heart problems. If so does the contrast trigger AF.

[bridgeit]

For non-heart-related reasons I have regular contrasted CT scans and have an intermittent AF with murmur (and regurgitation), but no pacemaker. However, my experience is that CT scans are fine with AF (and pacemakers) and I've never had any problem with my AF being triggered by the contrast material, whereas laying on my left side at night triggers it every time.If you've not had a contrasted scan before and it's one that injected rather than ingested, it's an interesting experience.

My advice is make sure you go for a pee immediately beforehand!

The radiographer will check your kidney function, either by looking into your records or doing a quick blood test. That's just to make sure your kidneys can flush out the dye.

The contrast fluid will be injected into your arm through a cannula just as you're going into the scanner as soon as they're happy with the test run.

You will feel a heat sensation running through your body and feel as though you're wetting yourself; you're not. You might also get a metallic taste at the back of your throat.

Then it's all finished. A short scan and easy-peasy.

Drink lots of water over the next couple of days. Job done.

Apologies if you already know the mechanics!!

[Fifimyangel in reply to bridgeit]

Thankyou so much for that information ☺

[Hidden]

Dear Fifimyangel

I think that bridgeit has summed it up perfectly for you. It certainly is more on the odd side of feelings than anything to worry about.

To my knowledge you are fine with your pacemaker and a CT scan, they will know for sure that you have one in position.

As for your AF then there will be someone that can answer that better for you, but again they will know about your AF status when you get there.

Take care and I hope that you have positive results from your scan to help with your on going treatment.

You are in my thoughts

[Fifimyangel in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much. X

[Hidden]

I have SVT, AF and SVT are triggered by the same mechanism, and I was absolutely fine with a contrast scan two days ago; unlike inhalers, antihistamines, and decongestants, radiological contrast is not listed anywhere as a known trigger. The warmth from the contrast was actually a quite pleasant experience, and having the cannula put in and getting organised beforehand took longer than the scan itself. It was all over in 5 minutes.

[Fifimyangel in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou. X

[jowalk6]

Hi fifimyangel , I have a dual pacemaker and defib implanted and AF. I had to have a CT scan with contrast a few weeks ago. All was fine, I had no issues at all. I am sure it will all be fine x

[Fifimyangel in reply to jowalk6]

Thankyou 😊