The cardiovascular disease such as Heart attack is very common among the people of all age group. When the blockage occurs in the blood vessels that supply the blood to the heart, acute events such as a heart attack strike. The blockage in the blood vessels can be due to various reasons, such as the accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, etc. Usually, at an early stage, coronary artery diseases don’t show any symptoms. But the problems occurred due to the blockage in the blood vessels, which can cause symptoms.
There are several ways to study the cardiovascular system. CT coronary angiography is the modern imaging technique to evaluate coronary arteries and detect underlying issues. With the help of CT coronary angiography, it is possible to image the heart within a few seconds and get sufficient information about the blockage in the arteries.
In this article, we are going to give you clear details on the following:
- Concerning CT Coronary Angiography
- Why do you need a CT coronary angiography?
- What is the procedure for a CT coronary angiography?
- What are the known complications of CT coronary angiography?
- What are the necessary precautions and preparations that I need to follow before and after CT coronary angiography?
- What are the dietary and physical activity modifications required before and after CT coronary angiography?
- How much time does it take to complete a CT coronary angiography?
- What is the cost of a CT coronary angiography?
- Final Conclusion
Concerning CT Coronary Angiography
Earlier, traditional coronary angiography was performed to screen the blood vessels using a catheter. But nowadays, a modern methodology like CT coronary angiography is preferred to traditional coronary angiography.
A computed tomography (CT) Coronary angiography, also known as a CT coronary angiogram, is an imaging method that is used to get crisp and detailed images of the arteries. Unlike traditional coronary angiography, it doesn’t use a catheter but uses x-ray radiation to obtain images of both the heart and its associated blood vessels. CT Coronary Angiography diagnoses underlying issues using a traditional CT scan combined with contrast dye.
For a CT coronary angiogram, contrast medium (a special dye) is injected through intravenous (IV) injection to brighten the blood vessels and tissues of the heart and produce cross-sectional images of the heart and blood vessels.
Why Do You Need A CT Coronary Angiography?
Modern technologies, such as CT coronary angiography for heart-related issues, are used for different purposes. It is mostly used for patients with an adequate risk of developing the problem.
Below are some reasons your doctor orders a CT coronary angiogram:
- If you have indications of coronary artery disease, such as unstable chest pain and jaw, neck, and arm pain, consult your doctor.
- when other diagnostic methods are unable to explain the causes of symptoms and the issues
- when the stress tests indicate an abnormal result.
- in the case of congenital heart disease.
- Diagnose the blood vessel problems.
- Detect the chest injury.
- Surgical and non-surgical treatment planning for the heart valve problem
What Is The Procedure For A CT Coronary Angiography?
The procedure of a CT coronary angiogram is usually performed in the CT scan department on an outpatient basis.
The crisp detail of the procedure for CT coronary angiography is:
- First, the CT technologist will give you a beta-blocker. It is a medication that is used to slow down the heart rate. This medication helps the healthcare provider visualise the heart more clearly during the scan.
- Next, the technologist will apply a numbing medication in your arm or hand and insert the IV line to inject the contrast dye intravenously.
- Before the scanning procedure, you will be instructed to wait and rest for an hour because beta-blocker medication takes about an hour to take effect.
- The technologist will then place electrodes on your chest to record your heart rate.
- Then, for the scanning procedure, the technologist will ask you to lie on an examining table attached to the scanning machine. The examination table then slides through a large tunnel-shaped machine.
- The technologist will be in another room to operate the CT scanner and communicate with you through the intercom.
- Once the scanning starts, an X-ray beam inside the CT scanner will rotate around your chest area to capture pictures of your heart.
- During the scanning procedure, the technologist may instruct you to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time to capture clear images.
- Once the required images are captured, the technologist will take you out of the scanner and remove the electrodes.
What Are The Known Complications Of CT Coronary Angiography?
CT coronary angiography is an imaging procedure that uses an x-ray beam to take images of the coronary blood vessels. This scanning procedure doesn’t pose any major complications, but there are some potential risks associated with it.
- Exposure to radiation
- During pregnancy, going for CT scan, can hurt the fetus. So, it is not recommended for pregnant women.
· There is a chance of developing an allergic reaction to the contrast media.
- Infection
- Irregular heartbeat.
What Are The Necessary Precautions And Preparations That I Need To Follow Before And After CT Coronary Angiography?
You need to follow some precautions to prepare for the exam so that the result is clear.
- If you are pregnant, inform the doctor, technologist, or radiology nurse before the procedure.
- Inform the technologist before the procedure if you have a history of allergic reactions to contrast dye.
- Share your medical history and medication details.
- If you have kidney problems or are on dialysis, inform the doctor before the procedure.
- If you are breastfeeding, you should resume breastfeeding after 24 hours.
What Are The Dietary And Physical Activity Modifications Required Before And After CT Coronary Angiography?
- You need to fast for 6 to 8 hours.
- Avoid any kind of caffeinated drink because it can increase the heart rate.
- Avoid stressful activities such as exercising, going to the gym, racing, cycling, jogging, etc. on the day of the procedure.
- Drink a lot of fluid to flush the contrast medium from your body.
How Much Time Does It Take To Complete A CT Coronary Angiography?
It takes only a few minutes to complete the actual scanning process, but the whole procedure of CT coronary angiography, from setup to scanning, takes around 60 to 90 minutes.
What Is The Cost Of A CT Coronary Angiography?
CT coronary angiography price varies. But usually, it’s between INR 15000 and INR 16000 in different diagnostic centers. To know the exact amount of CT coronary angiography, you can check with any nearest CT scan lab.
Final Conclusion
CT Coronary Angiography is a non-invasive imaging procedure that is used to view the tissues and the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. It is mostly used to diagnose coronary artery disease and other diseases that occur due to blockage and narrowing of the blood vessels. This imaging procedure is safe for most people. But some people with kidney problems, diabetes, pregnancy, etc., are not recommended for this scanning test because the use of radiation and contrast media can have harmful effects. So, it is always advisable for everyone who undergoes CT coronary angiography to diagnose problems related to heart health to share their medical history with the doctor.
Early detection and treatment of the causes of coronary artery disease helps you live a healthy life.