What is a Coronary CT angiogram?
Coronary CT angiography is a non-invasive alternative to conventional invasive coronary angiography. It is a special type of CT scan that images the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrition to the heart. Once the images are acquired, computer software allows for manipulation of the information into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional images as well as “beating heart” movies. The coronary CT angiogram can help detect hard and soft plaque as well as narrowing in the coronary arteries.. This information can help your doctor determine your risk of a heart attack and help direct treatment.
Who can benefit from a coronary CT angiogram?
It is up to your doctor to decide if you can benefit from a coronary CT angiogram. In general, patients who can benefit from this procedure include those with chest pain with low to intermediate risk profiles and those who have had inconclusive results from a stress test.
How long does the CT scan take and what happens after the test?
A coronary CT angiogram generally takes about 30 minutes from the time you enter the CT suite until the test is over. The scan itself takes about 10 minutes. Once your scan is completed, your images will be reviewed and a report will be generated detailing the findings of your coronary arteries, heart muscle, valves, and heart function. With this information, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment. This may include diet and lifestyle changes, medication and/or further testing.
