London Cardiovascular Imaging delivers advanced Cardiac CT imaging with a focus on accuracy, speed, and comfort.
Our specialist service has been designed to ensure patients who require Cardiac CT scans receive the highest standard of care and an efficient, seamless patient journey. Using Cardiac Optimised CT technology, we provide highly detailed imaging of the coronary arteries and heart structures to support fast and accurate diagnosis.
Located in the Marylebone medical district in central London, our clinic offers convenient access for patients seeking private Cardiac CT scans in London. Appointments are available early morning through to late evening, Monday to Friday, allowing flexibility for both local and international patients.
Canon’s premium scanner
The Canon’s premium CT Scanner, Aquilion ONE / PRISM Cardiovascular Edition ensures the highest quality imaging with fast scanning times. Unlike other hospitals and clinics, we do not use generic scanners that are designed to service multiple specialities. Typically, these tend to have a lower field strength which produces unacceptable levels of artefact on cardiac images and lengthens the time for a scan to be undertaken.
Our CT scanner ensures sharp coronary artery visualisation with super resolution, and does not compromise on noise, temporal resolution or dose. The cardiac images are clearer and faster as a result.
Waiting times are short (typically within the same week) and appointment slots can be secured using our online booking option. All our radiographers have been formally trained to a high level and have been specifically recruited to work exclusively in Cardiac CT. Our reporting cardiologists have decades of both clinical and research experience between them having worked at high volume clinical units and published some of the most widely cited research papers in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
How does Cardiac CT work, and who needs a Cardiac CT?
A Cardiac CT (computed tomography) scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses X-rays and computer software to create detailed, 3D images of your heart. It is recommended by The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the investigation of choice in patients in whom coronary disease is suspected, as the advanced images are taken from different angles and combined to produce clear cross-sectional images to detect any hardening of the artery wall (atherosclerosis) that has occurred in the heart and ascertain the risk of a heart attack or stroke within 5-10 years.
Preparing for your Cardiac CT
The detail provided by a Cardiac CT means the most minor abnormalities can be detected, and the use of a contrast dye allows for a non-invasive assessment of any narrowing by detecting hard calcific narrowing and softer, fatty deposits.
CT scans have no known side effects, and are usually pain-free. However, you will receive a low dose of radiation; you will be carefully screened for suitability for the test and closely monitored throughout.
To ensure you have the best experience, do not consume any food 4 hours before your appointment, and do not consume caffeinated drinks 24 hours prior. Ensure you drink lots of water throughout the day.
You must inform the CT radiography team if there is a possibility you might be pregnant, and disclose any recent or significant previous illnesses, medical conditions, and allergies. You must also inform the CT team if you have any of the following:
Any electronic/implantable device such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, surgical clips including neurosurgical aneurysm clips as well as metal shrapnel of foreign bodies in the eyes.
You should continue taking prescribed medication (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor), but if you take metformin (Glucophage), you need to let us know.
Please arrive 15 minutes before for registration and pre-scan checks. If you are claustrophobic, let us know in advance.
What does the scan involve and how long does it last
The CT team will ask you to complete a medical history, safety questionnaire, and consent form. We will give you a gown to change into and provide somewhere to store your clothes and personal items. Metal objects like necklaces and bra fastening will also need to be removed. The CT radiographer will go through the safety checks with you and answer any questions you might have before starting the scan.
When you lie on the scanner bed comfortably, a cannula is inserted in a vein in your arm, and a contrast dye is injected, which may cause a ‘hot flush’ throughout your body. You might also notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This is all normal and doesn’t last long.
You will be asked to hold your breath and remain still during moments when the scanner is taking the images to ensure we capture clear images. If you move or take a breath that causes you to shift, we will need to restart the sequencing. Most scan last 15 to 30 minutes. Once complete, the cannula will be removed, and you can leave; a follow-up appointment will be booked with your doctor to decide if further treatment is needed.
For Clinicians – Online Booking and Referral form
Please use the button to secure a slot for your patient’s Cardiac CT slot –
Once you have secured the scanning slot, please download and electronically fill out the referral Form. Once completed please email to info@londoncardiacimaging.com
Funding your Cardiac CT – Private Medical Insurance and Self-Pay rates
LCI are covered by all major UK insurers as well as the larger International Insures (BUPA Global, Cigna Global, AXA Global, Aetna and Healix). Please ensure you provide us with your membership number and preauthorisation code prior to your scan.
For self-funding patients, please email us with your contact details and we can call to explain the costs of your Cardiac CT study. The cost will depend on the type of Cardiac CT scan you are having.
Contact us
London Cardiac Imaging
1st Floor
10-11 Bulstrode Place
London W1U 2HX