Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography CTA

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography also called coronary CTA or cardiac CTA, i a cutting-edge non-invasive diagnostic imaging test that uses CT technology to visualize the coronary arteries and heart anatomy. It is used to diagnose and assess a variety of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, and valvular heart disease.

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography CTA

What is Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography?

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (Cardiac CTA) offers a noninvasive means to assess coronary arteries and guide cardiology care. The procedure involves the administration of a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of blood vessels during imaging. By capturing multiple images rapidly, Cardiac CTA produces high-resolution, three-dimensional views of the coronary arteries, heart chambers, and other cardiac structures.

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Applications of Cardiac CTA

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Evaluation
One of the primary applications of Cardiac CTA is the evaluation of coronary artery disease. It provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, helping identify the presence of arterial plaque, stenosis, or other abnormalities.
Structural Heart Assessment
Cardiac CTA is instrumental in assessing the structure and function of the heart, including the valves, chambers, and surrounding structures. It aids in the diagnosis of congenital heart conditions and other structural abnormalities.
Preoperative Planning
Cardiac CTA is an important tool when it comes to preoperative planning for cardiac surgeries and interventions. It provides surgeons with valuable insights into the patient's cardiac anatomy, facilitating more precise and individualized treatment strategies.
Evaluation of Cardiac Anomalies
For patients with suspected cardiac anomalies or abnormalities, Cardiac CTA offers a non-invasive and comprehensive method for diagnosis and characterization.

CTAResults

What is Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography?

Applications of Cardiac CTA

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Evaluation
One of the primary applications of Cardiac CTA is the evaluation of coronary artery disease. It provides detailed images of the coronary arteries, helping identify the presence of arterial plaque, stenosis, or other abnormalities.
Structural Heart Assessment
Cardiac CTA is instrumental in assessing the structure and function of the heart, including the valves, chambers, and surrounding structures. It aids in the diagnosis of congenital heart conditions and other structural abnormalities.
Preoperative Planning
Cardiac CTA is an important tool when it comes to preoperative planning for cardiac surgeries and interventions. It provides surgeons with valuable insights into the patient's cardiac anatomy, facilitating more precise and individualized treatment strategies.
Evaluation of Cardiac Anomalies
For patients with suspected cardiac anomalies or abnormalities, Cardiac CTA offers a non-invasive and comprehensive method for diagnosis and characterization.

CTAResults

Risks & Benefits of Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography

While Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (Cardiac CTA) is a valuable diagnostic tool, it may not suit everyone. Individuals with impaired kidney function, contrast dye allergies, or specific medical conditions might require alternative imaging methods. It's important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and potential risks before undergoing this procedure.

Benefits of Cardiac CTA

Non-Invasive Nature
Unlike traditional angiography, Cardiac CTA is a non-invasive procedure that eliminates the need for catheter insertion into the blood vessels. This reduces the risk of complications and promotes patient comfort.
Higher Accuracy
Cardiac CTA provides high-quality images, allowing for accurate and detailed assessment of cardiac structures. It is particularly valuable in detecting coronary artery disease and guiding treatment decisions.
Efficiency
The imaging process is swift, and Cardiac CTA provides rapid results, enabling timely diagnosis and intervention planning.
Treatment Guidance
It can be used to guide treatment decisions, such as whether to perform coronary angiography or surgery.

Risks of Cardiac CTA

Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
Radiation exposure
Kidney damage (in people with kidney disease)

What to Expect Before, During, and After Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography

The Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (Cardiac CTA) scan itself is a painless procedure, typically lasting around 30-45 minutes. It is usually done at an outpatient imaging facility, such as HVC’s Alpharetta office.

Before:

Please bring a complete list of your medications on the day of your study.
Write down any allergies you have, including medications or foods, and the specific reactions you have to each item.
Any previous IV contrast (x-ray dye) you have had. Did you ever have any problems/issues?
Advise us if you have asthma, wheezing, or any breathing problems, or have any problem with your kidney function.
Let us know if you are or may be pregnant or if you are currently breastfeeding.
If you take Viagra, Cialis or similar medications please inform us as you must stop this medication 48 hours prior to your procedure.
12 hours prior to your scan, discontinue taking any diet pills and caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, energy drinks or sodas.
DO NOT EAT ANYTHING 4 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME.
Please drink 16 ounces of water before your arrival. Arrive one (1) hour prior to your procedure time.
Depending on your heart rate on the day of your study, you may be given medication to optimize the images This will result in additional time at our facility. It is best to prepare to be at AMI for between 1 and 3 hours.

During:

When undergoing the scan, the technician inserts an IV into the patient’s arm or hand. When the contrast dye is injected, you might experience a warm sensation, and some individuals may encounter mild flushing, nausea, or a headache. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own. The patient lies on a table and goes through a large CAT scan camera, which is shaped like a large donut. This is different from a MRI, which is more claustrophobic. Iodine based contrast is injected into the IV while the CAT scan machine takes the necessary images. This takes less than one (1) minute.

After:

The technician then processes the images using advanced computer software. The cardiologist will evaluate the images. This test involves a small amount of radiation. Also, the IV contrast can cause an allergic reaction so let the staff know if you have a history of iodine allergy, contrast allergy, or shellfish allergy. This is different than a Coronary Calcium Score because in that test no dye is injected so we cannot directly look at heart blockages.

After your scan, you can go home and resume your normal activities. You should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your body. Depending on your situation and the instructions of your doctor, you may need to take medication to prevent kidney stones.

Am I a Candidate for Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography?

To determine if you are a candidate for Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (Cardiac CTA), a thorough assessment of your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors is necessary. Your doctor will evaluate your suitability for Cardiac CTA based on these factors. Here are some key considerations that can help determine if you are a candidate for Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography:

You are experiencing cardiac-related symptoms.
If you experience symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, Cardiac CTA may be recommended to evaluate the condition of your coronary arteries.
You have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) risk factors.
If you have known risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, Cardiac CTA may be considered to assess your risk and detect any potential blockages.
You received abnormal results from previous tests.
If you have had an abnormal echocardiogram or stress test, Cardiac CTA may be recommended to provide more detailed images of your heart and blood vessels.
You have atypical symptoms or uncertain diagnosis.
Individuals with symptoms that are not clearly indicative of a specific heart condition may benefit from Cardiac CTA to aid in diagnosis.
You need post-treatment monitoring.
After cardiac interventions or surgeries, Cardiac CTA may be used for follow-up imaging to evaluate the success of the procedure and identify any potential issues.