CT Coronary Angiogram and Understanding Your Heart Health

If your GP or cardiologist has recommended a CT Coronary Angiogram, you may have questions about why you need the test and what will happen during the scan.



A CT Coronary Angiogram, also called CTCA, is a CT scan that creates detailed images of the coronary arteries. These are the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.

The test may help a cardiologist assess the coronary arteries when further information is needed as part of an individual clinical assessment.

What Is a CT Coronary Angiogram?

A CT Coronary Angiogram uses computed tomography to create images of the coronary arteries.

During the scan, contrast dye is usually given through a vein. The CT scanner then takes multiple images of the heart and coronary arteries.



These images can help healthcare professionals look for changes such as narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries.

Unlike a traditional invasive coronary angiogram, CTCA does not involve inserting a catheter into an artery to reach the heart.

However, CTCA is still a medical investigation and may not be suitable for everyone.

Your doctor or cardiologist will consider your symptoms, medical history and other factors when deciding whether it is appropriate.

Why Might a CT Coronary Angiogram Be Recommended?



There are different reasons why a cardiologist may recommend CTCA.

It may be considered when more information about the coronary arteries is needed, such as when assessing:

• Chest discomfort
• Possible coronary artery disease
• Certain cardiovascular risk factors
• Findings from previous heart investigations
• Symptoms that require further assessment

The reason for the test will depend on your individual clinical situation.

A CTCA is not a test that everyone needs. Your healthcare professional will decide whether it is appropriate based on your symptoms and overall assessment.

What Are the Coronary Arteries?

The coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

Over time, plaque can build up inside the arteries. This can cause narrowing and may affect blood flow.

A CT Coronary Angiogram allows the coronary arteries to be viewed in detail.



The results are then considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and other investigations.

What Happens During a CT Coronary Angiogram?

Knowing what to expect can make the process easier to understand.

The exact process can vary between patients and imaging centres, but your appointment may involve several steps.

Before the Scan

Your healthcare team will provide instructions about preparation.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include instructions about eating, drinking or medications.

Tell your healthcare team if you:

• Have allergies
• Have kidney problems
• Are taking regular medicines
• Have had a reaction to contrast dye before
• Are pregnant or may be pregnant
• 
  

Your healthcare team can explain any preparation that applies to you.

During Preparation

A small cannula may be placed into a vein, usually in your arm.

Contrast dye can then be given through the cannula during the scan.

In some cases, medication may be given before the scan to help achieve a heart rate suitable for imaging. Whether this is required depends on the individual patient.

During the Scan

You will lie on the CT scanner table.

The scanner takes images while you remain still. You may also be asked to hold your breath briefly.

The healthcare team will provide instructions throughout the process.

The scan itself is generally completed within a short period, although the total appointment can take longer because preparation may be required.

What Does the Contrast Dye Feel Like?

Some people notice a warm sensation or a metallic taste for a short time after contrast dye is given.

These sensations can vary between people.

If you have had a previous reaction to contrast dye, tell your healthcare team before the scan.

Your healthcare professionals can discuss the potential risks and benefits that apply to you.

Is CTCA the Same as a Traditional Coronary Angiogram?



No.

Both tests can provide information about the coronary arteries, but the way they are performed is different.

A traditional coronary angiogram involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and guiding it towards the heart.

A CT Coronary Angiogram uses a CT scanner and contrast dye to produce images of the coronary arteries without catheterisation.

Your cardiologist can explain which type of investigation is appropriate for your situation.

What Can a CT Coronary Angiogram Show?



CTCA can provide detailed images of the coronary arteries.



Depending on the individual case, the images may help your cardiologist assess:

• The structure of the coronary arteries
• Areas of narrowing
• Possible blockages
• Coronary artery anatomy

The scan is only one part of an overall clinical assessment.

The findings need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and other relevant investigations.

What Happens After the Scan?



After the scan, the images are reviewed and a report is prepared.

Your cardiologist can then discuss the findings with you.

Depending on the results and your overall clinical picture, your cardiologist may recommend:

• No further testing at that stage
• Monitoring
• Lifestyle discussions
• Further cardiac investigations
• A follow-up consultation
• Referral for additional care where appropriate

The next step will depend on your individual circumstances.

CT Coronary Angiogram and Preventative Cardiology



CTCA can form part of a wider approach to understanding cardiovascular health.

Heartlink Cardiology also provides Preventative Cardiology, which focuses on assessing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and family history.

If a cardiologist identifies cardiovascular risk factors, they can discuss whether additional assessment or monitoring may be appropriate.

This does not mean that everyone with a risk factor needs a CTCA.

The appropriate investigation depends on the individual patient.

CTCA and Other Heart Tests

A CT Coronary Angiogram is one of several tests that may be used during cardiac assessment.

Depending on your symptoms and clinical findings, your cardiologist may consider other investigations.

These may include:

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and can provide information about heart structure and function.

Stress Echocardiography

A Stress Echocardiography can assess how the heart functions during exercise or controlled stress.

Coronary Artery Calcium Score

A Coronary Artery Calcium Score uses a CT scan to assess calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.

It is different from CTCA because it does not usually require contrast dye and does not directly image the coronary arteries in the same way.

Your cardiologist will recommend investigations based on your individual clinical needs.

CT Coronary Angiogram in Springfield Central



Heartlink Cardiology provides cardiology consultations and diagnostic services in Springfield Central and works with SmartCare Diagnostics for investigations.

If your GP or cardiologist has recommended a CT Coronary Angiogram, you can discuss the referral and investigation with your healthcare team.

You can learn more about CT Coronary Angiogram at Heartlink Cardiology.

You can also learn more about Preventative Cardiology if you want to understand how cardiovascular risk factors may be assessed.

For general information about Heartlink Cardiology, visit the Heartlink Cardiology website.

Frequently Asked Questions