Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiogram (CCTA)
A non-invasive scan that creates a three-dimensional image of your heart and arteries
A cardiac CTA is a non-invasive scan that creates a three-dimensional image of your heart and arteries. Cardiac CTAs help your physician see whether plaque has developed in your coronary arteries. Plaque potentially puts you at risk of a future heart attack.
Unlike traditional approaches, CCTAs allow physicians to see early-stage narrowing or blockages in the arteries that might be missed by other methods.
What to Expect with Cardiac CTA
Before the Procedure
You may receive a beta blocker prior to the scan to slow your heart rate. This medication helps make sure we get the clearest possible images of the beating heart with the scan. The beta blocker can make some patients feel dizzy, this is slight and happens rarely.
Just before the scan, the nurse will give you a nitroglycerin tablet to take; this dissolves under the tongue and helps us see your coronary arteries better.
You will need to remove clothing and jewelry above the waist and put on a hospital gown to ensure a clear scan.
During the Procedure
- An IV will be inserted into your hand or arm. Dye is injected through this IV so that your arteries can be clearly seen. Some patients experience a warm sensation when dye is being injected.
- You will lie on a long table that slides through a CT scanner. The CT scanner is a machine with a large ring you will pass through to obtain the images of your heart and arteries.
- While you may lie on the table for several minutes, the scans only take a few seconds to complete. During the scans you will need to lie still, hold your breath, and not swallow. Movement can cause blurry images.
- A technician will operate the CT machine from a separate room and will communicate instructions via intercom.
- While the scans of your heart will only take a few seconds, the visit may take up to an hour to complete.
After the Procedure
- After the scan you will be able to return to normal activities and drive yourself home.
- Your physician will contact you shortly after the test is complete to review the results with you and determine any necessary follow-up treatment.
Preparing for a CCTA
Your doctor should give you personalized instructions on how to prepare for you CT angiogram. For most CCTAs, you will be asked to do the following:
- Take a beta blocker two hours before your appointment time to slow your heart rate and ensure accurate images.
- Do not eat anything for four hours before your test.
- Avoid any caffeinated food or drinks for 12 hours before your test, as these can increase heart rate.
- Inform your doctor of any medications you may be taking. You may be asked to temporarily stop certain medications before the test.
- Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to contrast dye. If you do, your doctor may ask you to take a medication prior to the exam to reduce the risk of a reaction.
- Inform your doctor if there is any possibility you may be pregnant.