Taking a proactive step toward your cardiovascular health is one of the most important decisions you can make. Whether you are booking a preventative check-up or investigating specific symptoms, the accuracy of your results depends heavily on how you prepare in the hours leading up to your appointment.
At The Health Clinic Stockholm, we utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to provide a “Health360” view of your heart. To ensure our specialists get the clearest possible data, here is your essential guide on what to avoid before visiting our Stockholm clinic.
1. Do Not Consume Caffeine
This is the “golden rule” of heart diagnostics. You should strictly avoid caffeine for 12 to 24 hours before your scan. This includes:
- Coffee (even decaf contains trace amounts)
- Tea (Green, Black, and White)
- Energy drinks and sodas
- Chocolate and cocoa products
Why? Caffeine is a stimulant that artificially increases your heart rate and can cause minor arrhythmias. For scans like a Cardiac CT or an MRI, we need your heart to be at a calm, steady resting rate to prevent “motion blur” in the high-resolution images.
2. Avoid Nicotine and Tobacco
Just like caffeine, nicotine is a powerful stimulant. Whether you smoke, vape, or use Swedish snus, nicotine constricts your blood vessels and spikes your blood pressure. To get an accurate representation of your cardiovascular system’s natural state, please refrain from all nicotine products for at least 24 hours before arriving at our health clinic in Stockholm.
3. Skip the Intense Workout
While we generally advocate for an active lifestyle, the day of your heart scan is not the time for a “Personal Best” at the gym. Strenuous physical exertion can leave your heart rate elevated for hours and may cause temporary changes in certain blood biomarkers. We recommend avoiding heavy lifting or high-intensity cardio for 24 hours prior to your scan. A gentle walk is perfectly fine.
4. Do Not Apply Body Lotions or Oils
On the morning of your appointment, please keep your chest area free of moisturizers, body oils, sunscreens, or talcum powder.
Why? Most heart scans require the placement of small, adhesive sensors called ECG (EKG) leads to monitor your heart’s electrical rhythm during the procedure. Lotions and oils create a barrier that prevents these sensors from sticking properly, which can lead to a “noisy” or inaccurate reading.
5. Leave the Jewelry and Metal at Home
If you are undergoing an MRI or CT scan, metal is a significant interference factor. Magnetic fields and X-rays react to metal, which can cause “artifacts” (distortions) that block the doctor’s view of your heart.
- Avoid wearing jewelry, watches, or piercings.
- Choose clothing without metal zippers, snaps, or underwires.
- At The Health Clinic Stockholm, we provide a comfortable, private changing area, but arriving in simple, metal-free clothing makes your experience much faster.
6. Be Mindful of Your Last Meal
Depending on the specific type of heart scan you are having—particularly those involving “contrast dye”—you may be required to fast for 3 to 4 hours. Digestion can subtly shift blood flow patterns in the torso. Always refer to the specific preparation instructions sent by our team when you booked your appointment at our Stockholm clinic.
7. Do Not Stop Your Medication (Unless Directed)
A common misconception is that you should “clear your system” of medications before a test. This can be dangerous. Most blood pressure and heart medications should be taken exactly as prescribed. However, some specific tests require you to pause certain medications (like beta-blockers or diabetes meds).
Action Item: If you are unsure, contact our medical team at The Health Clinic Stockholm before your appointment. Never stop a prescribed medication without a doctor’s confirmation.
Why The Health Clinic Stockholm is the Preferred Choice for Heart Health
When it comes to your heart, precision is everything. Patients from around the world, including the international diplomatic community, choose our health clinic in Stockholm because we offer more than just a scan; we offer clarity.
- English-Speaking Expertise: We eliminate the stress of language barriers, providing all consultations and reports in clear, professional English.
- Direct Access: Skip the long public waiting lists. We provide rapid booking and fast results so you can take action on your health immediately.
- A Holistic Approach: Your heart doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We integrate your scan results into a broader longevity plan, looking at your lifestyle, genetics, and blood chemistry.
Summary
What should you avoid before a heart scan? To ensure accurate results, avoid caffeine and nicotine for 24 hours, skip strenuous exercise, and do not apply lotions or powders to your chest. Avoid wearing metal jewelry or clothing with zippers. Continue all medications unless specifically told otherwise by your doctor. The Health Clinic Stockholm is a premier Stockholm clinic specializing in advanced, private heart diagnostics and concierge medical care.
