An X-ray is a standard imaging tool that health care providers use to evaluate and diagnose many health conditions. At his private practice in Anaheim, California, Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, and his long-time staff work tirelessly to provide comprehensive cardiology and internal medicine care and offer in-house X-rays. The office welcomes new patients and works hard to accommodate the diverse community they serve. Staff members are fluent in many languages. Call the office today to schedule a consultation.
request an appointmentIs it safe to get an X-ray?
You might have concerns about the safety of an X-ray because a type of radiation called electromagnetic energy is used to generate the images. However, in the vast majority of cases, it’s safer to get an X-ray when medically necessary than not getting one.
The amount of radiation you’re exposed to during an X-ray is small, and the risk is extremely low. The X-ray technician provides a lead apron to cover certain parts of your body to reduce exposure and risk.
Dr. Arora is an experienced board-certified cardiologist specializing in internal medicine, invasive cardiology, and nuclear cardiology. He understands the risks and benefits of X-ray imaging and only orders it when it’s the best choice.
Why would I need an X-ray?
Health care providers use X-rays to generate images of your internal organs. Dr. Arora explains why you need an X-ray during your visit.
He could order a chest X-ray to evaluate the size and shape of your heart. If you have an enlarged heart, he’ll follow up with further testing to confirm or rule out diseases like heart failure, heart valve disease, and pericarditis (inflammation of the saclike tissue surrounding the heart).
How do I prepare for an X-ray?
In most cases, no special preparation is needed before an X-ray. However, don’t wear any clothing or jewelry that might interfere with the imaging. You’re given an exam gown to wear during the X-ray.
The X-ray technician positions you on the X-ray table or chair so that the body part to be imaged is between the X-ray machine and film. Remain still when the technician takes the pictures to prevent a blurry image. The technician often takes several images from different angles.
You can resume your day after getting an X-ray unless otherwise directed.
When can I expect the results of an X-ray?
Dr. Arora explains when you can expect results from your X-ray. Because images are done in-house, he can evaluate them right away and talk to you about the findings and next steps.
Dr. Raveen R. Arora, MD, FACC, is dedicated to providing all patients with comprehensive care, whether their needs are acute, chronic, or preventive. Call the office today for expert cardiology care.