CT Coronary Angiogram

CT coronary angiogram is an effective imaging test used to identify the plaque depositions in the arteries associated with the heart. This imaging test does not use any type of catheter insertion to the heart. Instead, the CT coronary angiogram uses the powerful X-ray equipment to produce pictures of the blood vessels and the heart. This technique is very safe and noninvasive, and hence, it does not require any recovery time. CT coronary angiogram is a very effective way to identify various heart problems at an early stage. This technique is useful, especially, to diagnose atherosclerosis, even before any symptoms are observed. The coronary angiogram and CT coronary angiogram, both expose the patient to some radiations. However, if a patient has a coronary artery disorder, then coronary angiogram is the better technique to go with. If needed, the doctor may also perform an angioplasty during the coronary angiogram test to avoid an additional procedure.

CT coronary angiogram is very helpful in the early diagnosis of various heart problems, especially atherosclerosis. This technique is effective in identifying the obstructed or blocked arteries in the heart. The reason for blockage can be the plaque accumulation or the calcium or cholesterol deposits. CT coronary angiogram is advised by the doctor to identify the following problems:

. Blocked or narrowed arteries supplying blood to the heart

. Chest pains

. Irregular heart rate or arrhythmias

. Inadequate supply of oxygen and blood to the heart

. Difficulty in breathing

. Dizziness

. Fainting

. Risk of heart attack

A CT coronary angiogram is used when the risk of coronary artery disease is moderate. However, if the risk is high, the doctor suggests a procedure called coronary angiogram, which involves a catheter insertion and contrast or special dye to clearly see the blockages in the arteries.

Coronary angiogram:

In the Coronary angiogram procedure, the area of catheter insertion i.e. near the groin or arm, is washed and disinfected properly. A local anesthesia injection is then administered. A small incision is made at the site, and a small plastic sheath or tube is inserted inside the artery. The catheter is then inserted in the blood vessels, through the tube, and this is then passed into the coronary artery or the heart, very carefully.

A contrast or a special dye is then given through the catheter. While doing this, the patient might have a slight warmth or flushing sensation. In case the pain or uneasiness increases, the patient is advised to inform the doctor. This technique uses X-ray images and a special dye or contrast to carefully see the flow of blood in the heart. The special dye or contrast is seen in the X-ray images and highlights the blood vessels of the heart as it moves inside the body. This makes it easy for the doctor to pinpoint the affected areas of concern e.g. obstructions or blockages.

If needed, the doctor may also perform a balloon angioplasty or stent implantation, during the coronary angiogram test, to open up a blocked artery.  

CT coronary angiograms:

In CT coronary angiograms, there are no catheters used and this is a noninvasive technique. However, there are contrasts or special dyes, that are used to highlight the blocked arteries or the areas of concern in the X-ray images (of the heart) captured. In this procedure, the contrast or dye is administered intravenously.

As there is no catheter insertion done in CT coronary angiogram, the need for improving the flow of blood or treating blocked arteries may need a separate procedure.

There is another procedure similar to CT coronary angiogram, known as coronary calcium scan. It does not use any contrast media, instead, it uses special CT (computed tomography) images to measure the calcium or plaque levels in the narrowed arteries.

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