Cardiac CT Angiography

Your doctor has recommended you for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). A CT scanner uses a combination of a high-tech X-ray scanner and sophisticated computer analysis to provide detailed, 3D images of your moving heart and major blood vessels. CTA is used to examine the health of blood vessels and tissues in your body. It can be used to identify weakened sections of arteries or veins and to visualize blood flow, as well as to detect fatty or calcium deposits (plaques) in the coronary arteries. CT angiography provides your physicians with more precise images of your blood vessels, helping to detect conditions such as heart disease and pulmonary embolism.

While positioning you on an exam table, the technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.

• IV contrast dye will be used and injected through an IV placed in your arm or hand.
• During the injection, you may experience a warm sensation all over your body and a metal taste in your mouth. This is normal.
• If you experience any itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, or swelling of your face, please notify the technologist immediately, as these could be signs of an allergic reaction to the contrast.
• You will be asked to lie flat on your back.
• The exam table will slide into the CT scanner, only covering the area being studied. The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out.
• The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
• You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time while the scanner takes a series of pictures. The time it takes to actually acquire images is very brief.
• The images will be reviewed, and if necessary, some may be repeated.
• Even though the scan is about 10 to 15 minutes, please allow for an hour prior to your exam to prep and monitor your heart rate.

What to Wear

Please dress in comfortable clothing. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

Medications

Please see your cardiac packet for instructions regarding medication use prior to the exam.

Food and Drink

Please refrain from caffeine 12 hours prior to the exam, including coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. No solid food 2 hours before the exam. Arrive 1 hour prior to appointment time for pre-exam screening/observation/vital signs.

IV contrast is required. Patients over 65 years old, diabetic, or with any history of renal (kidney) disease will need bloodwork within the last 90 days to check kidney function. Medications will be reviewed and discussed with you prior to the exam. Discontinue the use of ED medication 48 hours prior to the scan. No oral prep is required.

The benefits of Cardiac CTA:

• Cardiac CTA can help detect blood clots and heart disease or problems at an early stage so that you may get the most appropriate care and treatment.
• It provides detailed images of blood vessels and tissues, helping to identify conditions such as coronary artery disease and pulmonary embolism.

Risks you should be aware of:

• There is minimal radiation exposure during the scan.
• Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the contrast material.
• It’s important to inform the technologist if you have any known medical conditions or kidney disease.