.: coronary ct angiography (ccta)

Your doctor has referred you for a CT Coronary Angiogram (CCTA). This is a non invasive test that is used to obtain information related to the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. These vessels can have a build up of calcium or fatty deposits. These narrow the arteries or even close off the blood flow to your heart and this may cause angina or a heart attack.

This examination with the CT scanner uses a combination of high-tech x-ray equipment and sophisticated computer analysis to provide detailed images of your blood vessels. The scan itself is very quick but it does need careful patient preparation to obtain the best images. This may mean that you could be at the Radiology department for up to 2 hours or more so please be prepared for this. Please do not make any appointments for the same morning of your appointment.

Please contact us immediately on 06 753 7873 if:

  • You have been given an outpatient appointment with the consultant who referred you for the CT scan within 2 days of this appointment. Otherwise, the scan results may not be ready in time for your clinic appointment.
  • If you are on Metformin for your diabetes
  • You are pregnant.

Before arriving at your appointment:

  • We may need you to have a blood test and will notify you of this if needed.
  • If you are taking Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, please do not take this medication for 72 hours (3 days) prior to the day of the examination. It is not compatible with the medications you will receive during the procedure.
  • On the day before the examination, please do not consume any caffeinated beverages (no coffee, tea, energy drinks, caffeinated sodas, chocolate etc.).
  • Do not eat for two hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Please keep drinking  clear, non-caffeinated drinks until you arrive for your appointment.
  • Please continue to take any other medications that you usually take.
  • Wear clothing that can be changed easily as you will need to change into a gown.
  • Metal objects including jewellery may affect the CT images and should preferably be left at home. 

Generally examinations run to a tight schedule, so please be on time.  Although we do not anticipate any delays in your examination, please consider bringing a book, magazine, or music player to help you pass the time while you are waiting as we do have to accommodate emergencies as they arise.

After Arriving:

  • Please report to Radiology Reception on arrival.
  • The Receptionist will check your details for accuracy and you will be directed to the waiting area.
  • A radiology nurse or radiographer will collect you from the waiting area, check your details and ask you a few questions regarding your medical history.
  • Before your examination please inform the radiology nurse or radiographer of any allergies you may have, or if you might be pregnant.
  • You will be asked to change into a gown and a radiology nurse will insert a small intravenous line (I.V.) into a vein in your arm to administer contrast (dye) during the actual scan.
  • ECG (electrocardiogram) leads will be put on your chest to enable your heart to be monitored.
  • Your blood pressure will be taken.
  • Dependant on your heart rate you may be given other medications.
  • When your heart rate is at the desired level, you will be transferred to the CT scan room for the scan. 

During your examination:

  • While positioning you on the CT examination table, the radiology nurse or radiographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
  • You will be asked to lie flat on your back.  In some cases, pillows or straps may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the examination.
  • The examination table you are on will slide into the scanner, only covering the part of your body which is being studied.  The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to ‘see out’.  You will be alone in the examination room during the actual scan, however the radiographer is always be able to see, hear and speak to you.
  • Just prior to the scan, you will receive a spray of nitroglycerine under your tongue.
  • A contrast agent (dye) will be injected through your I.V. line at a controlled rate.  During the injection you may experience a warm sensation all over your body and a metallic taste in your mouth.  This is normal and passes off very quickly.
  • You will be asked to hold your breath for a short time while the scanner takes a series of images.  The time it takes to actually acquire images is very brief.
  • The images will be reviewed, and if necessary, some may be repeated or additional scans performed.
  • Once the radiographer is sure that all the images have been taken you will be taken off the CT table. We need you to remain in the Radiology department after the scan for post procedure monitoring.
  • Overall we will need you in the Radiology department up to 2 hours which includes the time for the pre and post monitoring that is done. The actual CT will usually only take 5 to 10 minutes. 

After your examination:

  • You may resume your normal diet.
  • Please make sure that you drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast out of your system.
  • A Radiologist and Cardiologist will examine your images and write a report of their findings. This report will be sent to your doctor and the specialist that referred you for the scan (if different), usually within 48 hours.  Some scans require more computer processing and these may take longer to analyse.
  • Your doctor will share the results of your examination with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.