Overview
A coronary computed tomography (CT) angiogram, sometimes abbreviated as a coronary CT, is non-invasive imaging test that uses x-rays to create images of the heart, including the coronary arteries.
Everything You Need To Know
- Why It's Done
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This test helps determine if there is narrowing of the coronary arteries due to the presence of calcium or fatty deposits. It may be ordered for patients who have:
- Intermediate risk profiles for coronary disease with suspicious cardiac symptoms.
- Unusual symptoms of coronary disease (such as chest pain unrelated to physical exertion) in patients with low to intermediate risk profiles for coronary disease.
- Unclear or inconclusive stress test results.
- Suspected congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries.
- Where Is This Test Performed?
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We offer this test at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and AdventHealth Lenexa City Center. Please arrive 30 minutes before your test is scheduled to allow for check in. The procedure will take approximately 60 minutes.
- Preparation
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Your physician may prescribe a single dose of a beta blocker to be take one hour before the test. This oral medication will slow your heart rate, enabling the scan to produce a clearer image. Please let your physician know if you have had side effects from beta blockers or contrast dye in the past. Also, let your physician know if you take any medication for erectile dysfunction. You will not need to hold any of your medications, and you do not need to be fasting for this test. You will be able to drive yourself home after the test is done and there are no restrictions afterwards.
Additional instructions:
- Do not exercise the morning of the procedure.
- Do not wear undergarments with wires.
- Do not drink anything with caffeine after midnight prior to the test.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products after midnight prior to the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing, preferably with a short-sleeved t-shirt.
- During and After the Procedure
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A nurse will insert an IV line in your hand or arm to inject the contrast dye. If your heart rate is still high after having taken the oral beta blocker, you may receive additional IV beta blocker. The actual scanning portion of the test takes only 20 minutes, but it may take 1-2 hours for the whole process.
You will then be taken to radiology where the technician will place electrodes on your chest to measure and record your heart rate. You will lie on a table that slides into a short, tunnel-like machine. During the scan you will be asked to hold still and do breath holds to not blur the image. The technician will operate the scanner from an adjacent room separated by a glass window, but will able to communicate with you through an intercom system.
Your Results
The coronary CT will be read and interpreted by one of our board-certified cardiologists. You should receive a call with the results within a week of having the test done or you may view the results in your AdventHealth Patient Portal.