CT Coronary Artery Angiography

Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of death in the US. Previously, evaluation of the coronary arteries was only possible with invasive cardiac catheterization. Using the latest multi-detector CT technology, coronary artery imaging is now possible using CT scanners. Because it is non-invasive, CT Coronary Artery Angiography (CTCAA) can be performed at an earlier stage in the development of coronary artery disease. In addition, CTCAA can evaluate the actual wall of the coronary artery, which is invisible to conventional catheter angiography, and can demonstrate pathology in the wall that is directly responsible for most acute heart attacks.

Please refer to our recent article on CT Coronary Angiography from a recent edition of our Montclair Radiology Newsletter.

Performing a CT Coronary Artery Angiogram is simple. Because your heart rate has to be relatively slow in order for a good quality exam to be performed, you may be asked to take a “beta-blocker” in order to keep your heart rate below 70 beats per minute. If necessary, either we or your doctor will prescribe you a short course of beta blockers (usually 1 pill taken on the evening before and on the morning of your exam). When you arrive at Montclair Radiology, you will be placed on the CT table as for any CT scan. An IV will be placed, and EKG leads in order for the CT scanner to follow your heart beat. Then all you have to do is hold your breath during the exam. The actual scanning time takes only about 9 seconds, and will be performed twice. The entire table time is about 30 minutes, needed to position you and put in the IV.

The CT study will give not only information about your coronary arteries, but will also give functional information about your heart that usually comes either from echocardiograms or nuclear medicine stress tests…therefore you get significantly more information with CTCAA.