Advanced Cardiac Imaging for Early Detection of Heart Disease

Heart disease often develops silently, with few or no symptoms until a serious event such as a heart attack occurs. At Cardiology First, Dr. Van Adamson uses advanced diagnostic technology, including Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT), to detect heart disease early, evaluate coronary artery health, and help patients make informed decisions about their cardiovascular care.

Serving patients throughout New Braunfels, Cibolo, Schertz, Seguin, San Marcos, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country, Cardiology First provides comprehensive cardiac imaging designed to identify problems before they become life-threatening.

Whether you’re experiencing chest pain, have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, or simply want to better understand your heart health, a Cardiac CT scan can provide valuable information that helps guide treatment and prevention.

What Is Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT)?

A Cardiac CT is a specialized, non-invasive imaging test that uses advanced computed tomography technology to produce highly detailed, three-dimensional images of your heart, coronary arteries, and surrounding blood vessels.

Unlike traditional X-rays, Cardiac CT allows physicians to visualize the structure of the heart and detect plaque buildup, coronary artery narrowing, calcium deposits, and other abnormalities that may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Because the scan is non-invasive, most patients experience little discomfort and can return to normal activities immediately afterward.

What Can a Cardiac CT Detect?

Cardiovascular CT imaging provides detailed information about many heart conditions, including:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Coronary artery calcification

• Plaque buildup inside arteries

• Narrowed or blocked coronary arteries

• Congenital heart abnormalities

• Enlargement of the aorta

• Structural heart abnormalities

• Heart valve disease

• Pulmonary vein anatomy

• Cardiac masses

• Pericardial disease

Early detection allows treatment to begin before symptoms become severe.

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

One of the most common uses of Cardiac CT is the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score.

This test measures calcium deposits within the coronary arteries. Calcium is a marker of atherosclerosis, the process that causes plaque to build inside blood vessels.

A higher calcium score generally indicates a greater risk of future cardiovascular events.

Your calcium score can help determine whether lifestyle changes, cholesterol-lowering medications, or additional testing may be appropriate.

Who Should Consider a Cardiac CT?

You may benefit from Cardiovascular CT imaging if you:

• Have chest pain

• Experience shortness of breath

• Have a family history of heart disease

• Have high blood pressure

• Have elevated cholesterol

• Have diabetes

• Smoke or previously smoked

• Have kidney disease

• Have abnormal stress test results

• Have an abnormal EKG

• Want a more detailed assessment of your cardiovascular risk

Even patients without symptoms may benefit if they have multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Why Your Physician May Recommend a Cardiac CT

Dr. Adamson may recommend Cardiovascular CT imaging to:

• Evaluate coronary artery disease

• Determine the cause of chest pain

• Assess cardiovascular risk

• Evaluate congenital heart abnormalities

• Examine heart anatomy before certain procedures

• Monitor known cardiovascular disease

• Guide future treatment decisions

This advanced imaging often provides answers that cannot be obtained through routine testing alone.

What to Expect During Your Cardiac CT

A Cardiac CT is performed on an outpatient basis.

Before your scan, you may be asked to avoid caffeine for several hours. Depending on the type of study being performed, medication may be administered to slow your heart rate and improve image quality.

During the examination:

• You’ll lie comfortably on the CT table.

• Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm.

• The scanner rotates around your body while capturing detailed images.

• You may be asked to briefly hold your breath during image acquisition.

• Some studies require intravenous contrast dye to better visualize blood vessels.

The scan itself usually takes only a few minutes, with most appointments lasting less than an hour.

Benefits of Cardiac CT

Cardiac CT offers several important advantages:

Early Detection

Identifies heart disease before symptoms develop.

Non-Invasive

No surgical procedure or catheterization is required for most studies.

Fast Results

Most examinations are completed quickly with minimal downtime.

Exceptional Detail

Produces highly accurate images of the heart and coronary arteries.

Personalized Treatment

Provides information that helps physicians tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique cardiovascular risk.

How Cardiac CT Fits Into Your Overall Heart Care

Cardiovascular CT is often used alongside other diagnostic tools available at Cardiology First.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Adamson may recommend:

• Cardiac Risk Evaluation

• Cardiac Echocardiography

• Cardiac Nuclear Stress Testing

• Event & Holter Monitor Placement

• Implantable Loop Recorder

• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

• Cardiovascular Imaging

Together, these advanced diagnostic services provide a complete picture of your heart health and help guide personalized treatment decisions.

Understanding Your Results

After your Cardiac CT is completed, Dr. Adamson carefully reviews the images and explains the findings in detail.

Depending on the results, your treatment plan may include:

• Lifestyle modifications

• Blood pressure management

• Cholesterol-lowering medication

• Diabetes management

• Smoking cessation

• Exercise recommendations

• Nutritional counseling

• Additional diagnostic testing

• Ongoing cardiovascular monitoring

• Referral for specialized cardiac procedures if necessary

Every care plan is individualized based on your medical history, imaging results, and long-term health goals.

Why Choose Cardiology First?

At Cardiology First, we believe that advanced technology should always be paired with compassionate, personalized care.

Dr. Van Adamson takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns, explain diagnostic findings clearly, and develop evidence-based treatment plans focused on prevention, early intervention, and long-term cardiovascular health.

Patients throughout New Braunfels and the surrounding communities trust Cardiology First because we provide:

• Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations

• State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging

• Individualized treatment plans

• Patient-centered care

• Evidence-based medicine

• Convenient access to advanced cardiac testing

Our mission is to help every patient protect their heart through early detection, education, and personalized cardiovascular care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cardiac CT painful?

No. A Cardiac CT is a non-invasive imaging study that is painless. Most patients simply lie comfortably while images are obtained.

How long does the scan take?

The actual scan typically takes only a few minutes, although your appointment may last 30–60 minutes depending on preparation.

Will I need contrast dye?

Some Cardiac CT studies require intravenous contrast to visualize the coronary arteries more clearly. Dr. Adamson will determine whether contrast is appropriate for your examination.

Is Cardiac CT safe?

Yes. Cardiac CT uses low-dose radiation and is considered very safe when medically appropriate. The benefits of early diagnosis generally outweigh the minimal risks.

Can Cardiac CT detect blocked arteries?

Yes. Cardiac CT is highly effective at identifying plaque buildup and narrowing of the coronary arteries, helping physicians detect coronary artery disease before serious complications occur.

Schedule Your Cardiac CT Consultation

If you’re experiencing chest discomfort, have cardiovascular risk factors, or simply want a comprehensive assessment of your heart health, Dr. Van Adamson and the team at Cardiology First are here to help.

Advanced imaging can provide the answers needed to diagnose heart disease early, guide treatment decisions, and give you greater confidence in your cardiovascular health.

Contact Cardiology First today to schedule your consultation and learn whether Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (Cardiac CT) is right for you.