A chest X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to detect problems with your heart or lungs.

What are they?  

What are they?  

 A chest X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to detect problems with your heart or lungs. Your physician can use it to determine if you have heart failure or a collapsed lung. Chest X-rays can reveal many other conditions such as fluid in the lungs, enlargement of the heart, and pneumonia. Your physician may want a chest X-ray if you have a persistent cough, chest pain, a heart murmur or breathing difficulties.  

How do I prepare?  

You will undress from the waist up and wear an exam gown. Remove all jewelry, watches, and any other metal items on your person.  

How is it done?  

A radiologist will have you lie on a table, sit or stand between the X-ray machine and the X-ray film (with digital X-rays no film is needed as the images are captured electronically).  You will be asked to remain still and hold your breath as the images are taken. You may be asked to move into different positions so images from the front and sides of your chest can be taken.  

What can I expect after the X-ray?  

 X-rays are generally painless and usually have no side effects. The radiologist will review the images to be sure they are clear before allowing you to dress and return to your normal routine.  

What are the risks?  

The amount of radiation that you are exposed to during an X-ray is so small that the risk of any damage to your organs is extremely low. However, if you’re pregnant, inform your doctor or the radiologist before having an X-ray. Though the risk to an unborn baby is small, your doctor may decide to wait or use another imaging test.