Imaging Associates offers advanced CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA) scans to assess cardiovascular health with precision and efficiency.
What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?
A CT Coronary Angiogram is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses computed tomography technology to view the supply of blood to the heart.
Computed Tomography Coronary Angiograms are usually recommended for patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, chest pain, or a history of cardiac surgery. Common risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, and high cholesterol levels.
What happens during a CT Coronary Angiogram?
- Upon arrival at Imaging Associates, our staff will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.
- The nurse will then take a brief medical history, and your heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded. The success of the Coronary CT scan will depend on a regular and slow heart rate (usually less than 60 beats per minute).
- If your heart rate is above 60, medication may be administered to lower it. Typically, it can take between 30 minutes and 1 hour for your heart rate to lower.
- Once your heart rate is optimal, you will be asked to change into a gown, ECG leads will be placed on your back and you will lie down on the CT table, where an IV cannula (a small plastic tube) will be inserted in the vein near your elbow.
- A contrast dye will be administered through the IV cannula, so that images of your heart can be captured. At this stage some patients may feel hot, experience a distinctive taste in the mouth or feel the need to urinate. These sensations are brief, generally lasting only 5-10 seconds.
- The CTCA scan takes about 15 minutes, however depending on your heart rate when you arrive you can expect to be at Imaging Associates between 1-2 hours in total.
- After your heart CT scan, you will need to remain in the clinic for a short observation period to monitor for any potential reactions. Once cleared, you can go home.
What are the benefits of a CTCA?
- CT Coronary Angiography does not require hospitalisation, and CTCA scanners are able to scan extremely quickly, so they can capture the heart in a single beat.
- The advanced CTCA scanning equipment used by Imaging Associates enables us to view and capture images of the entire heart in a single heartbeat.
- While conventional angiogram is still considered to be the gold standard in detecting coronary artery disease, a CT Coronary Angiogram is less invasive than traditional angiography.
Book a CT Coronary Angiogram
CT Coronary Angiograms are available at our comprehensive radiology clinic in Box Hill.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take proactive steps towards a healthier heart.
Imaging Associates accepts all medical imaging referrals, even if written or printed on another radiology company’s request form.
What do you need to know?
If you are referred by your doctor or specialist for a CT Coronary Angiogram, there are a few simple steps that will ensure your scan is effective and stress-free:
Prior to your scan, your referring physician may prescribe medication to lower your heart rate if necessary. This may have to be taken a couple of days before the scan, depending on your initial heart rate.
On the day of your CTCA scan, you will need to fast for 2 hours prior to your procedure. It is important to remain hydrated, but you must avoid caffeine, stimulants, alcohol, and heavy exercise.
What do we need to know?
Please advise us if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
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