You will be asked to attend for the CT scan at pre-specified time. You do not need to fast prior to the test. A small cannula is inserted into a vein in the arm through which contrast can be administered. If your heart rate is fast, often beta-blockers are administered to slow this down so that optimal images can be obtained.
You will then be asked to lie down on a table in the CT scanning room and following injection of the contrast, you will be asked to hold your breath for a couple of seconds and keep still during which pictures are taken of the coronary arteries of the heart.
If beta-blockers have been administered you will be observed for a few minutes after the study before being allowed to go home.
- Why do I need a CT?
Prof Ruparelia will suggest proceeding to a CT coronary angiogram if there is some concern that there may be a narrowing or a blockage of a coronary artery accounting for your symptoms (CT coronary angiogram).
Prof Ruparelia may also suggest a CT scan for patients being considered for a structural intervention - specifically for procedural planning for TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), PVL (paravalvular leak closure) or LAAO (left atrial appendage occlusion). - What is involved?
- What are the risks?
A CT coronary angiogram is very safe with a very small risk (<0.01%) of an adverse reaction to the contrast administered. This can be managed at the time in the rare event of occurrence.
- When do I get my results?
Following your CT scan, the images are reported by a specialist radiologist and the results are usually available within 24-48 hours. Prof Ruparelia will arrange a time to meet you to discuss the results and formulate an ongoing management plan.
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