What is CARDIAC CTA?

What is Cardiac CTA?

A coronary computed tomography angiogram, or cardiac CTA, is preformed on a CT scanner and uses “contrast” or dye to procedure images of the heart and blood vessels. The procedure is minimally invasive and can help diagnosis cardiac disorders by producing high-quality detailed 3D images. Cardiac CTA can be used to rule out stenosis, assess plaque buildup and visualize blood vessels.


Who should have cardiac CTA testing?

Patients who are at a higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) or present with cardiac symptoms benefit most from cardiac CTA testing. These patients will typically have multiple risk factors and/or a strong family history or cardiac disease. Some of the most common risk factors of CAD include:

  • High blood cholesterol level
  • Family history of heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Overweight or obese
  • Physical inactivity


How long will it take?

Total time: 1 hour

Scan time: 15 minutes - 1 hour


How do I prepare for my coronary CTA?

Please do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your procedure. You can have:

  • no products containing caffeine 18 hours prior to exam
  • no decongestants 24 hours prior to exam
  • no nicotine products 24 hours prior to exam

You may be given medicine to temporarily lower your heart rate during the procedure.

There are a few things to bear in mind when preparing for your exam, including:

  • Bring a copy of your order for the procedure from your referring healthcare provider if given one, your insurance cards and photo identification
  • On the day of the exam, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Avoid metal zippers, hair pins, jewelry or clothing with snaps
  • Patients may take their usual medications prior to exam
  • Always inform the technologist or radiologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant

What to Expect during a CT Scan?

A CT exam takes usually anywhere between fifteen minutes and 1 hour from the time you get on the table. Your technologist will ask you to lay on the CT table and based on your study, you will be positioned accordingly. You will also be hooked up to an EKG. While you are in the room alone, the technologist can see, hear and speak with you the entire time.


When you CT examination is done, you may resume your normal daily activities unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise. Your images will be sent to one of our board-certified radiologists for interpretation and a report will be sent to your provider.


What if I am Claustrophobic?

Patients who are claustrophobic may feel a “closed in” feeling during the CT scan if your head is going first into the gantry. If this is a concern, please let us know prior to your appointment if you think you will require sedation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe something for the claustrophobia to be taken prior to your appointment.


What if I require contrast?

In CT some of the procedures require a special dye, often called “contrast”. Contrast is used to provide better diagnostic quality images. If you are given contrast, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 3-4 hours prior to the exam. Contrast injections require your technologist to start an IV prior to exam. Patients sometimes report a metallic taste in the mouth, a warm flushing sensation and/or nausea. These sensations are completely normal and generally go away within a few minutes. Typically, contrast does not cause symptoms; however, some mild symptoms you may experience include nausea, headache or itching. Other side effects are rare; however, if you experience any severe symptoms, inform your technologist immediately.


Understanding Contrast (link to video about contrast)

If you are having a study with contrast and have more questions, please learn more about contrast and what to expect before, during and after your scan.