CT coronary angiogram
What is a CT coronary angiogram?
A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) is a test to evaluate possible blockage or stenosis in blood vessels supplying your heart with blood (coronary arteries). Your doctor might be concerned that you are at risk of a heart attack if you have atypical chest pains, aortic stenosis, or unexplained heart failure.
The procedure is non-invasive and does not require recovery time. During the CTCA, a contrast dye is injected into the vein through a cannula (a thin plastic tube) in the arm.
What preparation is needed?
Do not eat or drink anything 4 hours before the examination (water is allowed). No coffee or black tea on the day of the examination is allowed. Please take your chronic medication as normal. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Iodine or if you have had a bad reaction to contrast dye in the past.
If you are taking Sildenafil (Viagra), it is advised to refrain from taking it for 72 hours prior to and 24 hours after the examination; otherwise, you will experience a drug interaction with the nitrolingual spray.
What happens during the examination?
On your arrival, the radiographer or radiologist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.
Normally, we schedule two​​ booking slots. The first slot is a short appointment to evaluate your vital signs (blood pressure and pulse rate). Beta-blockers might be administered to lower the heart rate and ensure a successful examination. The 2nd appointment is about 45 minutes after the 1st one because the medication (beta blocker) needs time to be effective.
You will be asked to undress everything from the waist up and put on a gown. You will be positioned on a CT table with your arms resting above your head for the duration of the examination, approximately 10 minutes. A drip will be put up on the arm, and ECG stickers are placed on the chest. Breathing instructions will be explained to you, and cooperation is important.
A control scan of your chest area will be taken to plan the examination. Then, a calcium score scan will evaluate the number of calcifications in your heart arteries. During the following scan, contrast media will be injected into your arteries to evaluate the blood vessels for cholesterol plaque and any other obstructions or abnormalities.
Please note that the contrast injection may cause a warm sensation in the body, a metallic taste in the mouth, and the sensation of a full bladder. These are normal side effects that will disappear quickly.
What happens after the procedure?
After completion of the examination, you can proceed with normal daily activities. You might have a slight headache from the nitrolingual spray that was administered. This is completely normal and a headache tablet can be taken to relieve it.
What about the result?
Once the examination is complete, the radiologist will study the X-rays and compare them to any previous imaging of the same area. A typed report of the findings will be forwarded to your doctor. Please contact your doctor for the results.