CTA is an examination that uses x-rays with a contrast medium (dye) to visualize the blood flow in the arteries of the body. Thousands of x-ray beams pass quickly through the area being studied; such as the heart, chest, head, neck, abdomen, or legs. The images are then reconstructed by a computer to give detailed views and information to the physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Why Choose CT?

CT can provide very early detection of many conditions, so treatment can be more effective. The excellent quality of CT images allows for the visualization of abnormalities. CT can show exactly where it is, it's size, and distribution.

What is Coronary CTA?

With the 64 slice CT angiography, the scanner is able to take 192 images per second. The speed of this new CT scanner now allows for imaging of the heart and coronary arteries (blood flow to the heart). These detailed images of the heart and blood vessels allow physicians to make a better diagnosis with less patient discomfort and a faster recovery time.

• Take regular medications with water. Except for: Metformin, Glucophage, Glucovance, Advandamet, and Metaglip. DO NOT take these medications the morning of the exam. NOTE: Additional blood work is required before restarting these medications.
  
  
• If you take Levitra, Viagra, or Cialis-DO NOT takes these medications 48-hours before or after the exam.
  
  
• If you were given beta blockers to take before the exam-be sure to take them as instructed.
  
  
• Do not eat any food 4-hours prior to the test.
  
  
• Drink plenty of the water or clear liquids the morning of the test, but none within one hour of the test.
  
  
• Do not have any caffeine for 24-hours prior to the test.
  
  
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Most patients do not need to undress. (No under wire bras or jewelry)
  
  
• Please inform us if you have a pacemaker.
  
  
• Please inform us if you could be pregnant.

Cardiac CT is used to evaluate:

-the heart muscles/chambers
-the coronary arteries
-the pulmonary veins
-the proximal thoracic aorta
-the sac around the heart
-the cardiac veins
Other disease in the lungs, bone, esophagus,
and tissue may be detected.

What Happens During Your Test?

When you arrive for your CT, you will be taken care of by specially trained staff. An IV will be placed in your arm. Your will have a 3-lead EKG attached to monitor your heart rate. Medication may be given to decrease your heart rate. You will lie on a table, which will move you in and out of the scanner. You will receive a spray of nitroglycerin under your tongue just before the scan starts. You will be asked to hold your breath at times. Contrast medium (x-ray dye) will be in injected at some time during the procedure, which usually makes you feel warm for a few seconds.

The scanner is not enclosed so you will never fell you like you are in an enclosed space. The entire scan only takes a few minutes but you should allow approximately 1 ½ hours for check-in, preparation time, scan, and observation period. NOTE: The scan may take longer of your heart rate is increased.