CT coronary angiogram scan

What is a CT coronary angiogram scan?

Dye is injected into your artery to highlight any issues with your blood vessels. At the same time, you will have a CT (computerised tomography) scanner that takes images of your heart to give us more detailed 2D and 3D images of your heart and coronary arteries.

The difference between an angiogram and a CT angiogram is that a CT angiogram doesn’t require the use of a catheter, so it is a less invasive procedure. However, a CT angiogram isn’t as accurate at detecting narrowing in small coronary arteries or small branches as a traditional angiogram.

CT angiograms are still helpful as they provide quick, convenient, and painless results without very many complications. 

Why would I need a CT coronary angiogram scan?

We may perform them to assess the health of your blood vessels to prepare for procedures such as angiography or valve replacement. If you have had a cardiac surgical procedure, we may recommend this test to investigate whether there have been any heart-related complications.

The test provides a clearer picture of your heart, allowing us to visually identify potential issues. This is beneficial compared to other tests like ECGs or blood tests.

As this procedure uses radiation via X-ray scans, we will not recommend this test if you are pregnant. We will also not recommend the procedure to patients with advanced kidney problems, who are allergic to the dye used, or those with severe asthma, because the dye can cause issues in these individuals.

Preparation

To prepare for the procedure, we will ask you to follow specific instructions provided to you beforehand.

You must stop eating 8 hours before the procedure, consuming caffeine 12 hours before, and taking certain medications 24 hours beforehand. We will discuss your current medications and whether we need to adjust your intake to perform the test. 

You will also need to stop smoking or partaking in any exercise on the day of the procedure.

Avoid oils and heavy moisturisers before the procedure, as these will interfere with the gel and cause the electrodes to not stick as well to the skin. Hair may also interfere with the electrodes, so we might advise you to remove chest hair beforehand.

Procedure

Before the procedure begins, we will ask you to change into a gown, and we will inject the brightly coloured dye into a small vein in your arm. You will not need anaesthesia for this test, as a catheter is not utilised.

We will ask you to lie on a padded examination table, which will pass through the tube of the CT machine. This will allow us to get detailed images of the structures of your heart. You will need to keep still during the scan so we can get the clearest images possible. You may also need to hold your breath during the scan, but it will only take a matter of seconds to take the imaging.

Some people feel slightly claustrophobic in the machine. Please let us know if you’re uncomfortable during the scan or nervous beforehand so we can help you through this process.

When the dye is injected, you may notice a warm flush throughout your body for a few seconds, but this will pass. The dye will naturally flush out of your body. Make sure you keep hydrated to ensure it is flushed out properly.

During the test, you’ll be attached to a heart monitor recording your heart rate and rhythm and a probe measuring your oxygen levels on your finger. Please let us know if you feel unwell or uncomfortable at any point.

Results and aftercare

Once we have completed the scan, we will perform some basic observations, such as taking your blood pressure.  You can leave when these are completed, and we are happy with your condition.

After the procedure, you will be able to go home and continue with your daily activities, including driving.

We will analyse your results after the procedure and schedule a follow-up appointment with you to discuss your next steps. If your symptoms worsen or if you have developed new symptoms after the test, please notify us immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any side effects with this test?

A CT coronary angiogram is a safe test done to look at your heart’s arteries. Most people feel fine afterwards, but you might notice a warm feeling, a funny taste in your mouth, or a little bruising where the dye is injected. Typically, these symptoms go away quickly. Rarely, some people can have mild allergic reactions like a rash or nausea, and very rarely, more serious problems (such as a heart attack or stroke) can happen. The scan uses a small amount of radiation, so it’s not usually done if you’re pregnant. If you have any allergies or kidney problems, let your doctor know before the test.

Can I drive home afterwards?

Most people can go home shortly after the scan and resume normal activities, unless advised otherwise.

How long does the scan take?

The scan itself usually takes less than 20 minutes, though you may be with us for longer in order to prepare beforehand and provide any aftercare details.

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