CT Coronary Angiography

CT Coronary Angiography enables us to visualise your coronary (heart) arteries noninvasively using a CT scanner. Intravenous contrast is given through a vein but unlike Invasive Coronary Angiography there is no need to advance catheters into the heart. This makes the procedure safer and painless. It is performed in an outpatient setting so that you can drive to and from the appointment. It is a very useful tool when significant coronary artery disease cannot be ruled out by other noninvasive means. If a tight narrowing is seen in the arteries an invasive Coronary Angiogram will be needed to allow for coronary stenting.

An intravenous line will be inserted into your arm before lying flat on a bed while the CT scanner passes over your chest region. Contrast is injected through intravenous line. Your head is well outside the scanner.

The quality of the scan is better if your heart rate is below 60 at the time of the scan. Depending on your heart rate you may be given a tablet of metoprolol to take 2 hours before the scan or at the time of arrival to slow the heartbeat. Please avoid tea and coffee before the scan and rushing to your appointment, to minimise the chance of your heart racing. Radiation exposure with a CT Coronary Angiogram is low (similar to a mammogram).

CT Coronary Angiograms are read by our Cardiologists and the report will be sent to your doctor who will make recommendations for your best management.

The cost of CT Coronary Angiograms is covered by most insurance policies. Our secretaries will tell you if there is any charge at the time of booking.

CT Coronary Angiograms are done at:

• Mercy Radiology 98 Mountain Rd, Epsom

For further information please phone The Heart Group 09 623 6377