All You Need to Know About CT Coronary Angiograms
Traditionally, cardiologists would rely on noninvasive functional tests such as stress tests and nuclear studies to assess the existence of any blockages within the coronary arteries.
Furthermore, the only way one could get a direct look at the coronary arteries was with the help of a coronary angiogram or through cardiac catheterization.
Also, CT scans were traditionally not used to look at the heart considering the organ is consistently in motion.
These scanners were very effective to get a better look at static anatomic regions such as the extremities, abdominal cavity and the brain.
The advent of new generation CT scanners that take 64 pictures a minute, and with the use of medication that helps slow the heart rate to less than 64 taking images of the coronary arteries through CT images is now possible.
Is it Safe to undergo this test? To perform this diagnostic test, the technicians will use an intravenous dye that consists of iodine.
Even though the use of catheters is not a compulsion in this test, there are still a few risks involved that patients should be aware of.
For instance, physicians will recommend alternative diagnostic modalities in case you are allergic to iodine.
You may also be prescribed with medication before the test to prevent any allergic reactions.
Individuals with problems with the kidney function or people with diabetes must avoid this test.
Also, since there is some exposure to radiation, it is best to check with the physician for some underlying medication conditions that prevent you from undergoing this test.
Should I get a CT coronary angiogram done? In most situations this decision should be left to your doctor.
While this diagnosis should not be employed as a screening tool among the general population, it is considered an effective test for the detection of coronary artery disease.
If you are at a high risk of developing the disease taking into consideration your smoking habits, genetic history, cholesterol levels or existence of any chronic diabetes, you may be eventually recommended this test.
However, before you get to this point, you may first have to undergo a stress test or other tests first.
If your CT scan is normal or show mild abnormalities, the chances of a blockage being there are rare.
However, if the scan gives abnormal results you may need to perform a catheterization and angiography to assess if you are a case of stenting, bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Finally, radiology centers that are equipped with CT coronary angiography machines will also be able to help you evaluate the patency of the bypass grafts after you have undergone the surgery.
Ask your doctor for recommendations of the best centers that offer reliability with regards to testing and reporting.
Furthermore, the only way one could get a direct look at the coronary arteries was with the help of a coronary angiogram or through cardiac catheterization.
Also, CT scans were traditionally not used to look at the heart considering the organ is consistently in motion.
These scanners were very effective to get a better look at static anatomic regions such as the extremities, abdominal cavity and the brain.
The advent of new generation CT scanners that take 64 pictures a minute, and with the use of medication that helps slow the heart rate to less than 64 taking images of the coronary arteries through CT images is now possible.
Is it Safe to undergo this test? To perform this diagnostic test, the technicians will use an intravenous dye that consists of iodine.
Even though the use of catheters is not a compulsion in this test, there are still a few risks involved that patients should be aware of.
For instance, physicians will recommend alternative diagnostic modalities in case you are allergic to iodine.
You may also be prescribed with medication before the test to prevent any allergic reactions.
Individuals with problems with the kidney function or people with diabetes must avoid this test.
Also, since there is some exposure to radiation, it is best to check with the physician for some underlying medication conditions that prevent you from undergoing this test.
Should I get a CT coronary angiogram done? In most situations this decision should be left to your doctor.
While this diagnosis should not be employed as a screening tool among the general population, it is considered an effective test for the detection of coronary artery disease.
If you are at a high risk of developing the disease taking into consideration your smoking habits, genetic history, cholesterol levels or existence of any chronic diabetes, you may be eventually recommended this test.
However, before you get to this point, you may first have to undergo a stress test or other tests first.
If your CT scan is normal or show mild abnormalities, the chances of a blockage being there are rare.
However, if the scan gives abnormal results you may need to perform a catheterization and angiography to assess if you are a case of stenting, bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Finally, radiology centers that are equipped with CT coronary angiography machines will also be able to help you evaluate the patency of the bypass grafts after you have undergone the surgery.
Ask your doctor for recommendations of the best centers that offer reliability with regards to testing and reporting.
