64-slice CT

CT angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive heart-imaging test that can determine the extent of narrowing in the coronary arteries.
Traditional invasive coronary angiography, also known as cardiac catheterization, uses a catheter inserted into an artery in the upper thigh and threaded up to the coronary arteries to inject x-ray dye and make two dimensional x-ray movies of the coronary arteries. CTA is a non invasive diagnostic scan that uses x-rays and intravenous x-ray dye to create 3-D images of the coronary arteries on a computer screen.

Calcium score CT requires no special preparation. For coronary CTA, a recent blood test for kidney function, EKG and responses to a screening form must be obtained prior to scheduling. Patients with kidney malfunction, asthma, diabetes, allergies to x-ray contrast, irregular heart rhythms or a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator will be given further individualized evaluation and special instructions. To obtain high quality images with CTA many individuals require administration of a beta-blocker prior to the test to keep their heart rates under 70 beats per minute.

During a CT scan, you will be lying on a comfortable couch as it slowly moves through an opening in the examination unit, commonly referred to as the ‘gantry.’ All you have to do is follow the instructions given by the CT technologist or radiologist. For example, you may be asked to briefly hold your breath or not to move certain regions of your body.

CT itself is a quick, painless procedure. For CTA, an IV is required for injection of x-ray contrast (dye).

The CT scan itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. However CTA requires additional screening, pre-medication, insertion
of an IV and an hour of observation after the test, so plan to spend approximately two-and-one-half hours.