CT angiogram is a non-invasive imaging test where an injection of iodinated contrast dye is used to highlight the blood vessels and tissues around the heart. In this test we are able to get high resolution 3D images of your heart which are then reconstructed to produce images of your coronary arteries. At North Shore Radiology we state of the art CT scanners with the ability to reduce radiation doses of up to 80% compared to some conventional scanners.
You must fast from food for 2 hours and ensure you are well hydrated with water; approximately 1 litre in the hour before. You may use the bathroom freely. You may take all of your medications as normal, however you must cease Viagra, Levitra and Cialis for 48 hours prior to your examination as it is contraindicated with a medication used for the procedure.
Please do not have caffeine 12 hours prior to the appointment (tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, chocolate etc). We want your heart rate to be as slow as possible for the study. As the heart moves, we need to collect data between the heart beats as this will provide the best images. Please bring details of any heart medications you are currently taking and heart surgery. You may take all of your medications as normal.
This will depend on your heart rate prior to the procedure. Typically, you should not be in the department for more than 1 hour.
Upon arrival you will be asked to complete a questionnaire to make sure you are not allergic to the intravenous iodinated contrast (X-Ray Dye) we use for the CT. You are then taken to the nurses’ trolley bay where they will take your blood pressure and measure your heart. If your heart rate is too fast, you may be given a beta-blocker to slow it down. A needle/cannula will be placed in a vein to give the contrast (x-ray dye).
After you have entered the CT room, you will be positioned on the padded scanner table. This table will move so that your heart is in the middle of the scanner. The radiographer controls the examination from a separate room next to the scanner. You will be able to talk to them at all times.
A spray of glyceryl tri-nitrate will be given under your tongue to help dilate the coronary vessels and highlight these vessels for us to see. Glyceryl tri-nitrate cannot safely be given if you have taken Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. Sometimes the spray may give you a short term headache. Each scan will take only a few seconds to complete. You will be asked to hold your breath for the scans. It is important to obey any instructions given.
The nurse will check your blood pressure and once you are feeling okay, the cannula in your arm will be removed by our nursing/technical staff. If medication was prescribed to you on the day, you may have a short term headache. Outside of this, you should feel no after-effects and you may resume your normal diet immediately. You are able to resume your normal activities, although we do ask that you avoid rigorous exercise for 12 hours following the test. The injection of intravenous contrast is excreted through your urine over the next 24-48 hours following your test. It is suggested you increase your water intake over this period to assist the excretion of dye from your kidneys.
As this test is co-reported between a radiologist and a cardiologist, the results can take a couple of days to be completed. These will be sent directly to your referring practitioner once the report is available.
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