Coronary CTA

What is coronary CTA?

CT angiography (CTA) uses x-rays to visualize blood flow in vessels throughout the body - from those serving the brain to those bringing blood to the heart, lungs, kidneys, arms and legs. Compared to traditional catheter angiography, which involves injecting contrast material directly into an artery, CTA is much less invasive and can be more cost effective.

Who should consider having a coronary CTA?

Coronary CTA may be appropriate for symptomatic patients considering stress test or elective cardiac catheterization, or asymptomatic patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease.

What are some of the risk factors for CAD?

Family History of Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Overweight
Sedentary Lifestyle (little or no exercise)

What can I expect during this procedure?

As part of the exam, you're positioned on a CT scan table and contrast is injected into a vein. This dye allows the inside of the coronary arteries to be visualized. Then, a high-speed scanner captures hundreds of cross-sectional images. Afterwards, a computer reconstructs a series of 3D images that our radiologists can view from any angle. Not only is this technique invaluable for delineation of the body's vasculature, but it is also relatively safe, convenient and non-invasive.