Chest X-ray

What is a heart chest x-ray?

A chest X-ray is a scan of the chest that can provide images of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and much more. It uses a small amount of radiation to make pictures of these areas.

It helps show us the size and shape of the heart and detect any abnormalities. It can also clearly show us whether there is any build-up of fluid in the lungs that a heart concern may have caused.

Chest X-rays are routine practice before heart surgery, so you may need scans if you have been booked for this procedure.

We may also need to perform a chest X-ray to ensure that any implanted materials, such as pacemakers, are in the right place.

Procedure

There is not much to prepare ahead of time before having an X-ray. You can eat and drink as normal. However, depending on your medication, you may be advised to avoid certain medications before the procedure. We will discuss with you what you are currently taking and whether we need to adjust them.

We advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily remove, as you will be undressing from the waist up to perform the scan. We will also need all jewellery removed during the scan, so we advise coming to the appointment with as little jewellery as possible.

Please let us know if you are pregnant, as X-rays are not generally recommended for pregnant women unless it is an emergency.

Results and aftercare

You will not experience any after-effects from the scan and can return to your normal activities.

A radiologist will evaluate your scans separately to determine what may be causing your symptoms. Dr Ravi Assomull, our expert cardiologist, will then evaluate the radiologist’s report and the images to reach a final conclusion.

If abnormalities are found on the scan, we may follow up with additional tests to investigate further.

Symptoms investigated

Chest pain

Chest pain is the sensation of pain in the breast area. You may feel squeezing, pressing, tightness, burning, or a heaviness radiating to the neck, shoulder, and left arm.

fever

Fever

Fever is the temporary rise in body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius. This is because the body burns more energy to keep up with the heart’s overexertion.

shortness-of-breath

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is when you find breathing challenging, wheezing, or breathlessness. Other heart conditions such as angina, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure can all cause shortness of breath.

Conditions diagnosed

Circulatory problems

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart that makes it hard for your heart to pump blood around the body.

Heart disease

Heart disease (also known as cardiovascular disease) is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Book your consultation  with Dr Ravi Assomull today

Looking after your heart is the most important thing you can do to improve your longevity and quality of life in the long term.

We’re here for you during your journey to better heart health. We provide tests and management strategies to help identify what might be wrong and where you can improve your lifestyle to reach prime heart health.

Book an appointment today to speak to our expert Integrative Cardiologist, Dr Ravi Assomull, about your heart concerns.

You can email us at: enquiries@cardiologist.london

Or call us at: 020 3576 2885

Frequently asked questions

Answers from the team at Cardiologist London. For personalised advice, book a consultation or call 020 3576 2885.

What can a chest X-ray show about my heart?

It shows the size and outline of the heart, the state of the lungs, and signs of fluid congestion - useful in assessing breathlessness, suspected heart failure and some valve problems. It complements, rather than replaces, an echocardiogram.

Is a chest X-ray safe?

Yes. The radiation dose is very small - roughly equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation. Tell the team if you are, or might be, pregnant so the test can be timed or substituted appropriately.

How long does it take and when do I get results?

The X-ray itself takes a few minutes and needs no preparation. Images are reviewed promptly and the findings are explained in the context of your consultation and any other tests, with a written report to follow.