CT Coronary Angiogram

What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?

A cardiac CT is a non-invasive procedure, which makes it ideal for checking whether a patient with heart-related issues or symptoms has coronary heart disease.

A Computerised Tomography (CT) scan, also known as a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan uses a mixture of x-rays and computer systems to create virtual ‘slices’ of the body without the need for invasive surgery.

A CT Coronary Angiogram is also known as a Cardiac CT, or Coronary Angiogram is a specialised non-invasive procedure which uses a mixture of

x-ray technology,
computer systems and
a contrast medium

to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the heart, arteries and blood vessels.

What a CT Coronary Angiogram Diagnose?

Doctors also use CT Coronary Angiograms to check for blockages and damage to the coronary arteries.

Cardiac CTs are used specifically to examine the condition of the heart as well as the surrounding arteries and blood vessels. CT Coronary Angiograms are typically used to detect and aid in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

Why is a CT Coronary Angiogram required?

Doctors may also require patients to get a CT Coronary Angiogram scan before or after other coronary procedures.

Coronary heart disease is a serious illness, which if left untreated can lead to the development of other serious conditions including:

High blood pressure
Sleep Apnea
Depression
Diabetes
Heart attack
Arrhythmia
Heart failure

About the CT Equipment

The following equipment is used during a cardiac CT procedure:

A high-speed CT scanner
Electrocardiogram (EKG) machine
Contrast injector

What are the benefits of a CT Coronary Angiogram?

A CT Coronary Angiogram is a safe, non-invasive procedure with detailed results, which are produced quickly.

While there are alternatives for a CT Coronary Angiogram:

Coronary angiography
Nuclear medicine stress test

they are more invasive or require more patient effort.

Preparation for CT Coronary Angiogram

What Special Preparation is required Before a CT Coronary Angiogram?

Most preparation for the test is designed to reduce your heart rate as much as possible. The slower your heart rate, the better the scan. You may be instructed to fast for 4 hours and avoid caffeine and other stimulants on the day of your procedure. You may also be required to take medication the day before the procedure and the morning of the procedure that helps to reduce your heart rate. Not all patients are given this medication.

You will be asked to have someone drive you to your appointment and home again, as you may be given medications for the CT scan that prevent you from being able to drive.

What should a patient tell the Radiographer before a CT Coronary Angiogram?

Patients should alert the radiographer if they are pregnant as there is a risk that the radiation from the CT scan could endanger the baby.

You should also tell the radiographer if you are asthmatic, suffer from kidney problems or have any allergies as these conditions increase the risk of a negative reaction to the contrast medium.

On The Day of the CT Coronary Angiogram

Your doctor may ask you to bring any previous scans or x-rays to the procedure, along with any medications you’re currently taking.

What to wear for a CT Coronary Angiogram?

You should also avoid clothes with zippers or metal buttons.

You may be asked to remove any clothing obstructing the area to be scanned and given a medical gown to wear instead, so you should try and wear something that is comfortable and easy to remove.

You will be asked to remove any metallic items, such as jewellery, watches, eyewear and belts, as these items can show up on the CT scans. It may be best to leave jewellery at home.

During CT Coronary Angiogram

The CT Coronary Angiogram procedure will typically take between 10-45 minutes to complete.

Your doctor may give you medicine to slow your heart rate.
After being escorted to the procedure room, you will be asked to lie down on the CT table with your head towards the opening of the machine.
a contrast medium is injected into the bloodstream, via an intravenous (IV) line connected to your hand, arm or the inside of your elbow.

You may experience the following sensations as the contrast agent moves through the body:

Warmth
Mild burning
A metallic taste or smell
A temporary urge to pass urine

You will also be connected to

an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine during the procedure, via small patches placed on your chest. This monitors and records your heart rate, helping the CT scanner to co-ordinate taking the images to your heart beat.

During a CT a large, circular scanner spins and takes multiple images of internal organs and soft tissue. You will then be told to

lie still while the CT scanner spins,
The scanner table will move in and out of the scanner as it takes images of your body.

After CT Coronary Angiogram

Your radiologist may ask you to stay for up to 20 minutes after the CT Coronary Angiogram, to ensure that there are no side effects or reactions to the contrast medium.

After the procedure, you will usually be able to return to normal activity immediately.

Patients will need to be driven home, as medication given during the CT makes driving potentially dangerous.

CT Coronary Angiogram Results

The results of the scan will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss them with you during your next appointment.

Risks with CT Coronary Angiogram?

A CT Coronary Angiogram is a relatively low-risk procedure as it is non-invasive.

However, during a CT Coronary Angiogram patients are exposed to more radiation than in a typical x-ray as multiple images are taken of the heart. Although the lowest radiation doses possible are used, there is a risk that patients may develop cancer. The risk is slightly higher in patients under 40 years of age.

You can find out more about the levels and risks of x-rays from the Patient Dose Information Fact Sheet, published by Public Health England.

There is also a very minor risk that patients may suffer from a severe reaction to the contrast medium and experience: