CT Coronary Angiography Non-invasive scan of the heart arteries
A CT scan with contrast dye that shows the heart arteries and any blockages, without a catheter.
- Reviewed by a cardiologist
CT coronary angiography shows the inside of the heart arteries using a CT scan and a contrast dye given through a vein in the arm. Unlike a conventional angiography, no tube is passed into the heart. It shows whether there is plaque, how much the arteries are narrowed, and helps decide whether treatment or further tests are needed.
- Narrowing or blockages in the heart arteries, and how severe they are
- Soft and calcified plaque
- The condition of bypass grafts, and some stents
- Unusual origins or courses of the heart arteries
- Chest pain or breathlessness where heart artery disease needs to be ruled out
- An inconclusive or abnormal TMT or stress echo
- High risk factors or a strong family history
- Checking the heart arteries before some heart or other surgery
- Do not eat for 4 hours before the scan; you can drink water
- Avoid tea, coffee and energy drinks on the day
- A recent kidney function test (creatinine) is needed
- Tell us about any allergy to contrast dye, kidney problems, pregnancy or diabetes medicines such as metformin
- Take your usual medicines unless told otherwise; you may be given a medicine to slow the heart rate
- A small cannula is placed in a vein in your arm and ECG stickers on your chest
- If your heart rate is fast, a medicine may be given to slow it for clearer pictures
- Contrast dye is injected and you hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan
- You rest briefly afterwards, drink plenty of water, and go home the same day
The scan is reported in detail and the cardiologist explains it to you, including whether medicines, a stress test or a conventional angiography are needed.
Questions
Is CT angiography the same as an angiography in the cath lab?
No. CT angiography is a scan with no catheter. A conventional angiography passes a thin tube into the heart arteries and is usually done when treatment such as angioplasty may be needed.
Is the contrast dye safe?
It is safe for most people. Kidney function and allergy history are checked first to keep it safe.
Will I feel anything?
Many people feel a warm flush for a few seconds when the dye is injected. This is normal.
How do I book it?
Book through Care Heart Centre; the team confirms the scan time, place and preparation, and the cardiologist reviews your result with you.
Other tests
All tests
ECGElectrocardiogram
2D EchoEchocardiography with Doppler
TMTTreadmill stress test
Stress EchoStress echocardiography
Ambulatory BP24-hour BP monitoring (ABPM)
24-hour HolterHeart rhythm recording
Blood testsPathology- Sleep studyTest for sleep apnoea (OSA)
- ELRExtended heart rhythm monitoring
- CT Calcium ScoreCoronary artery calcium (CAC) scan