Chest X-ray

In a chest X-ray, electromagnetic energy is used to create images of internal tissues, bones, and organs. A chest X-ray can show the size, shape, and position of the heart, and it can detect changes in the lungs related to any heart abnormalities. Chest X-rays are a routine part of any evaluation for congenital heart disease.

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Getting a chest X-ray doesn't hurt. Before the test you will need to remove all clothing and jewelry from the waist up. Then you will be asked to stand against the plate containing the X-ray film and roll your shoulders forward while holding your arms at your sides so that they do not interfere with the picture. The radiologist or technician will ask you to take a deep breath and hold it as the X-ray picture is taken. Holding your breath fills your lungs with air and helps your heart and lungs to show up more clearly on the film.

An X-ray involves being exposed to a small amount of radiation. In most cases, the benefits derived from the X-ray greatly outweigh the slight increase in cancer risk posed by the exposure. However, women who may be pregnant should talk with their doctors about alternative testing procedures or special precautions that can be taken to minimize exposure to the developing fetus.