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Coronary CTA
Coronary Artery Disease is the single leading cause of death in the United States. Of the 1.2 million Americans who have heart attacks every year, approximately 150,000 of them die without warning signs. Frequently the cause of death is unsuspected atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries that suddenly blocks blood flow to the heart. New CT technology is able identify and diagnose atherosclerosis and blockages in arteries throughout the body, including the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, arms and legs. Compared to traditional catheter angiography, CT angiography (CTA) is safer, cheaper, much less invasive and frequently delivers more detailed information.
Is Coronary CT Angiography right for me?
Your physician or cardiologist determines if coronary CTA is appropriate for your condition. Generally speaking, if you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain indicating the possibility of coronary artery disease, you would be considered a candidate for the exam. Additionally, there are many people who do not outwardly show any symptoms but do have conditions which are associated with risk factors for the disease. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, are overweight, smoke or lead a sedentary lifestyle, any one of these factors or a combination of them would make you a candidate for the examination.
Is Coronary CT Angiography Safe?
Not only is this technique invaluable for delineation of the body’s blood vessels, it is also extremely safe, convenient and much less invasive than traditional angiography where a sizable catheter is threaded through a vein or artery. In many cases, CT angiography may eliminate the need for surgery. The major risk associated with CT angiography is an allergic reaction to intravenous contrast materials.
How should I prepare for this procedure?
- Bring a copy of the order for the procedure from your referring physician, your insurance card, and photo identification.
- Do not consume any form of caffeine 12 hours before the study.
- Do not take Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil) for 48 hours before the study.
- Do not eat any solid food for 4 hours before the study.
- Drink two 8-ounce glasses of water 1 hour before the study.
- Women should inform their doctor or x-ray tech if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
What should I expect during this exam?
The procedure generally takes about 15 minutes. You will be positioned on the CT table on your back. EKG leads will be attached to your chest. A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous line (IV) into your hand or arm. You will receive nitroglycerine under the tongue. After this, the CT table will be moved quickly to the starting position and a test image will be taken. You will be asked to hold your breath for 20-30 seconds. The actual exam will begin after this and you will move through the scanner. At all times a technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you. While the images are being recorded, you will hear an array of noises and an automatic injector connected to the IV will inject contrast material at a controlled rate. When the exam is complete your IV will be removed.
While the scanning causes no pain, there may be sensations of warmth, flushing, or a metallic taste that lasts a few minutes. Minor reactions, include itching and hives occasionally occur and can be relieved with antihistamine medication. Light-headedness or difficulty breathing indicate a more severe allergic reaction. Tell the technologist or nurse if you experience any discomfort.
What should I do after the examination?
- When your examination is over, you may resume your normal daily activities unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. One of our board-certified radiologists will review the images and send a report to your physician. You can discuss the results of the examination with your physician.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
Procedure Instructions
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