What Does a Chest X-Ray Show?

A chest X-ray is a procedure that produces images of the inside of the chest. It helps doctors assess the condition of the lungs, heart and chest wall. The process of producing a chest X-ray is fast and easy, so it can be especially useful to evaluate injuries in emergency situations. It’s also one of the first procedures performed to evaluate symptoms of certain chronic conditions.

When Do You Need a Chest X-Ray?

Physicians often order a chest X-ray when you experience signs of a heart or lung problem. Common symptoms evaluated with this test include:

• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent cough
• Coughing blood
• Unexplained fever
• Dizziness/lightheadedness

What Are Chest X-Rays Used To Detect?

Chest X-rays provide information that helps with the diagnosis or assessment of a variety of conditions, including:

Heart Health

Changes or abnormalities in the size or shape of the heart can indicate heart valve problems, heart failure or fluid around the heart.

Lung Conditions

Chest X-rays can reveal or provide details on a collapsed lung, pneumonia and other infections, cancer, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and other conditions that affect the lungs.

Blood Vessel Problems

The outlines of large blood vessels like the aorta, pulmonary veins and arteries can be seen in a chest X-ray and may indicate issues like aneurysms or other problems.

Bone Fractures and Spine Health

Fractures to the spine or ribs, and other problems with those bones, can be viewed with a chest X-ray.

Medical Device Placement

Chest X-rays allow doctors to assess the position and functioning of pacemakers and defibrillators (devices that keep the heart rhythm normal) as well as catheters (tubes used to deliver medication or for dialysis).

Calcium Buildup

The presence of calcium in the heart or blood vessels can point to damage to the heart muscle or valves and an increased risk of a heart attack. In the lungs, calcium is often an indicator of past infections.

How Is a Chest X-Ray Performed?

A chest X-ray is a quick and painless procedure. In most cases, you stand against a recording plate, and a technologist takes images of your chest from two perspectives: one from the back and another from the side. In emergency or hospital bed settings, a portable X-ray machine can take images while you sit or lie down. The images are ready for review almost immediately.

Interpreting Your Chest X-Ray Results

A specially trained doctor called a radiologist evaluates the images and shares the findings with your healthcare provider. Your referring doctor uses this report to guide treatment decisions or confirm that no further care is needed.

Benefits and Risks of Chest X-Rays

Chest X-rays are essential for diagnosing and treating many medical conditions. Still, some people wonder if the procedure can be harmful. Diagnostic X-rays use very small amounts of radiation and are considered safe for adults and children. However, if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your care team beforehand so protective precautions can be taken.