CHEST X-RAY

What is a stress test?

A chest x-ray produces an image of your heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels. It reveals the:

• Size and shape of your heart
• Presence of fluid around your lungs
• Position and shape of your large arteries

An x-ray can help diagnose many different conditions, including heart diseases. And if you have a cardiac device like a pacemaker, the x­
ray also shows the device and the coated wires (leads) that carry the energy to your heart.

What can I expect?

When you have a chest x-ray you undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown. You are partly covered by a shield-a heavy apron made of flexible lead-to protect you from any excess radiation. (X-rays use only a small amount of radiation to create the image.) You stand in front of the x-ray machine and hold your breath while the image is taken. Your doctor usually orders two views: one from the back and one from the side.