On the day of your CT scan, come to the main entrance of UW Hospital, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792. Take the “F” elevators to the 3rd floor. Go to the Heart and Vascular Procedure Center. Turn to the right and check in at the desk.

Your scan is scheduled on____________ at _______am/pm.

Before Your Scan

  • Do not take Cialis 4 days before your scan.

  • Do not take Viagra or diet pills 24 hours before your scan.

  • Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 6 hours before your scan.

  • Do not exercise 2 hours before your scan.

  • The best results are obtained with a lower heart rate. Avoid caffeine the day of your scan. Do not drink any coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks. 

  • Take your usual medicines with water before your scan.

  • Take your beta blocker medicine to lower your heart rate, if you have this. 

  • Let us know if you have asthma or COPD and take any inhalers like albuterol (Ventolin). If you have an allergy to contrast agents (also known as “dye” or “iodine”), let us know. You may be prescribed steroids to the take the evening before your scan, as well as the morning of your scan. 

  • If you have problems with your kidneys or may be pregnant, let us know.

If You Have Diabetes

  • Do not take metformin (Glucophage) on the morning of your scan. Do not take it for 48 hours after your scan.

  • Ask your doctor if you should take your insulin on the morning of the scan.

Day of the Scan

Leave any metal or jewelry that is around your neck or over your chest at home.

A nurse or tech will place an IV (small thin tube placed in your vein) to give you medicines. You may need to be given medicines to bring your heart rate down. You may be given medicine at the CT scan to help dilate your arteries.

You will recover for about 30 minutes where a nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure. You can drive yourself home after this scan.

Who to Call

UW Health Heart and Vascular Center 

Monday – Friday, 7 am – 5 pm

608-263-8405