CT Coronary Angiogram

What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?

A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) is an imaging test to look at the arteries that supply your heart muscle with blood. However, CT angiograms don’t use a catheter threaded through your blood vessels to your heart, which is done with a traditional Coronary Angiogram. Instead, the CT scanner uses a combination of x-rays and high-powered computers to obtain cross-sectional images of your heart and heart vessels.

Why do I need to have a CT Coronary Angiogram?

These scans are becoming a common option for people with a variety of heart conditions. Early stages of coronary artery narrowing can be detected before any symptoms develop.

A CT coronary angiogram is primarily used to check for narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) that could explain chest pain or breathlessness, and which could put you at risk of a heart attack.

CTCA can also be used to evaluate bypass grafts after coronary artery bypass surgery, to check coronary arteries are normal before other types of cardiac surgery e.g. valve replacement operations, to evaluate congenital abnormalities or the coronary arteries or great vessels. They are also used to image the pulmonary vein before electrophysiology procedures.

How do I prepare for my CT Coronary Angiogram?

You will be asked to have no food or fluids for 4 hours before the scan, and no products containing caffeine for 24 hours prior to the scan (i.e. coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks).

You will be asked to complete a routine questionnaire to identify any allergies to foods, drugs and iodine. You may also need a blood test to assess kidney function prior to the scan.

If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you will need to inform staff when booking your appointment. We need to organize a pacemaker technician at least one week in advance, to adjust your pacemaker for the examination.

Please inform us if you are taking any medications that are contraindicated with using nitrates.

You can drive yourself to the appointment, and you’ll be able to drive after the scan.

Will I feel anything during my CT Coronary Angiogram?

An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm to inject the contrast (x-ray dye) that will make your coronary arteries visible on the CT images.

Electrodes will be placed on your chest to record your heart rate throughout the scan. Because your heart is constantly in motion while it beats, your doctor may give you some medication called a beta blocker, which will slow your heart rate. This will improve the image quality.

When you’re ready to be scanned, you’ll lie on the scanner table that slides through the CT machine while the x-rays are taken and the contrast is injected.

It is important to stay as still as possible, and you will be given careful, detailed instructions to hold your breath during the scan.

How long does a CT Coronary Angiogram take?

Although the actual scanning portion of the test takes less than 15 seconds, the whole process take about 4 – 5 minutes.

Where will my CT Coronary Angiogram be done?

It will be done at Ascot Radiology.

How long until I get the results of my CT Coronary Angiogram?

The results will be sent through to your Cardiologist within a week, who will either ask to see you in follow-up or write you a letter.

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Ascot Hospital, Level 3
90 Greenlane East
Remuera, Auckland 1051
PO Box 17264,
Greenlane, Auckland 1546

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