Cardiovascular disease is currently the second leading cause of death in our country. However, even when coronary artery atherosclerosis leads to 50-70% arterial narrowing, many patients do not exhibit obvious clinical symptoms, delaying the best timing for prevention and treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment through health checkups have become a critical public health issue.
Compared to invasive cardiac catheterization procedures, a coronary CT scan is non-invasive and relatively safe. By performing continuous, rapid imaging synchronized with an electrocardiogram (ECG), small coronary arteries as narrow as 0.2–0.3 cm in diameter could be visualized. It helps detect coronary artery calcification or atherosclerotic plaques and evaluates the degree of vascular obstruction, enabling early diagnosis of heart disease. Compared to traditional cardiac catheterization, coronary CT has an accuracy rate of over 95%. It is quick, requires no hospitalization, and can simultaneously examine surrounding structures like lung tissue.
Clinical Indications for a Coronary CT Scan
This examination is recommended for individuals who:
- Experience chest discomfort such as chest tightness or pain.
- Have abnormal heart function findings.
- Have undergone coronary stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Belong to high-risk groups for cardiovascular disease, such as:
- Older adults.
- Those with a history of hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia ("three highs").
- Smokers.
- Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease.
The CT Scanner in Our Hospital
Our health examination center has introduced the latest international-grade 8K-16cm Gemstone Spectral CT Scanner (GE Revolution CT), which integrates multiple advantages of high-end CT systems.
Key Features of the GE Revolution CT:
- Ultra-High 8K Resolution (0.23mm):
- Similar to the concept of 4K and 8K ultra-high-definition TVs, this scanner surpasses conventional 2K–4K CT imaging resolution.
- The 8K sampling capability provides a minimum resolution of 0.23mm, enabling precise detection of early-stage micro-lesions.
- Reduces risks of delayed treatment and over-diagnosis, particularly valuable in early cancer screening.
- Ultra-Wide 16cm Coverage:
- Equipped with a 16cm gemstone detector, it captures the entire heart in a single scan, producing clear and comprehensive cardiac images.
- As the detector covers the entire heart, even patients with high heart rates can have their cardiac structure recorded in a single heartbeat.
- Outperforms previous CT technology by reducing the risk of scan failure due to arrhythmia or rapid heart rate.
- Ultra-Low Radiation Dose:
- Higher resolution typically requires higher radiation exposure. However, compared to conventional CT scans, the Revolution CT reduces radiation exposure by up to 82%.
- In 2015, it received U.S. FDA approval for low-dose CT lung cancer screening, offering a safer imaging option.
Early Detection & Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
If you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, you can consult a cardiology outpatient clinic or contact our health examination center to schedule a coronary CT scan. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce cardiovascular risks, improving long-term health outcomes.