Procedures
A computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) is a test that uses intravenous contrast to outline the blood vessels around the heart and identify any coronary artery disease that may be present. The contrast is injected while you are inside a CT scanner.
CTCA test is an ideal non-invasive test to investigate patients with low to medium cardiovascular risk. A CTCA is faster to perform than an invasive angiogram, and therefore pose less risk, discomfort and recovery time.
Although your CTCA is booked through Cardia, the scan will be performed at either Beyond Radiology in Grafton or Silverdale, or at TRG in Milford.
Once you arrive, you will be taken through by a nurse who will ask you a few questions, complete a consent form with you, insert an IV line, and check your blood pressure and heart rate.
In order to gain quality images during the scan, your heart rate needs to be below 60 beats per minute. You may be given oral or IV medication, or both, to achieve this. You will have to wait until your heart rate is below 60 to have your scan.
You are welcome to bring a support person with you to your scan. We recommend you have somebody drive you home in the event you feel unwell with the medication given.
After the scan you will have your heart rate and blood pressure rechecked, your IV line removed, and you can generally leave straight after this if you are feeling well.
You will be advised to drink lots of water after the scan. Rarely, a rash may develop, this can be treated with over the counter antihistamines.
You can generally resume your usual activities straight away if you are feeling well.
A CT calcium score is a simple scan that is done to generate a score of the amount of calcium present in your coronary arteries. This is used as a predicator of future cardiovascular events and can help your Cardiologist manage your risk factors.
The score is measured in Agaston units and runs between 0 – 1000. A score of 0 means there is no calcium, therefore a smaller chance of future cardiovascular events. A higher calcium score means you are at a higher risk of a future cardiovascular event.
You do not require any preparation for a CT calcium score, and you will be able to leave straight after your scan.
