Computer Tomography Angiogram is a medical diagnostic test that combines a CT scan with an injection of a specific dye to obtain images of blood arteries and tissues of the heart.
What is CT Angiogram?
Computer Tomography Angiogram is a medical diagnostic test that combines a CT scan with an injection of a specific dye to obtain images of blood arteries and tissues of the heart.
Why It is Performed?
CT Angiogram test is to perform to detect the following conditions like:
- Aneurysm
- Myocardial Infraction
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Pulmonary Embolism
What is the Difference Between of CT-Angiogram and a Conventional Angiogram?
- A CT coronary angiography is typically used to detect blocked arteries in the heart and it can be used to treat other heart diseases. Whereas, In the conventional method which is Non-CT angiograph. This flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the heart or coronary arteries through the arm or groin.
- According to researchers, CT coronary angiography has 100% sensitivity, whereas conventional angiography has just 97.8%.
Preparation for a CT angiogram?
- Our healthcare practitioner and doctor will provide you brief information on how to prepare for a CT angiography. You may need to temporarily stop some drugs, such as vasodilators (Viagra®, Levitra®), before to the test.
- You will have to stop eating food around four hours before the test. You can drink water as usual.
- If you are undergoing a coronary CT angiography, you should have to avoid coffee for up to 12 hours before the procedure. As, Caffeine can increase your heart rate, and due to this it is difficult to see your coronary arteries.
During CT- Angiogram?
- A technician provides analgesics and puts an IV into your arm or hand. The IV carries contrast dye.
- For a coronary CT angiography, the technician places sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest. The electrodes are attached to a machine that monitors your heart rate and rhythm.
- You lie down on a table that slides inside a doughnut-shaped machine (CT scanner).
- A technician controls the CT scanner from another room, obtaining images from various perspectives. They might request you to hold your breath for a few seconds to prevent chest movement during the scan.
- CT scan may just take a few seconds or minutes. With setup time, the procedure usually takes around an hour.
Before CT- Angiogram?
You can return home and continue normal activities on the same day as your CT angiography. Your physician will advise you to drink plenty of water to assist flush the contrast dye from your body.
Risks of a CT angiogram?
CT angiograms are generally considered safe tests. If you have a history of allergic responses, particularly to the contrast dye used in prior CT scans, your provider might suggest treatment, such as oral steroids, to reduce your chance of reacting to the contrast dye. If you have had a history of kidney disease, contrast dye can cause damage to the kidneys. If a woman suspects she is pregnant, she should always inform her doctor and the x-ray or CT technician.
Results and Follow-up
In most cases, your provider will review test results with you after a few days or weeks. Depending on the test results, you may require additional tests. Alternatively, if the test indicates a risk of heart disease, your doctor may discuss treatment choices with you.
