CT Coronary Angiography | St. Vincent's Private Hospital

Computed Tomography (CT) Coronary Angiography Scan

A computerised tomography (CT) scan is a non-invasive medical test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the structures inside the body, including the internal organs, blood vessels and bones.

CT Coronary Angiography is a scan specifically of the heart which demonstrates the coronary arteries and any associated cardiac abnormalities using a CT scanner. The images acquired can identify narrowed, blocked, enlarged or malformed arteries and detect early signs of heart disease (Coronary Heart Disease) well before any symptoms develop. In turn this early detection can help doctors manage, stabilise or eliminate the causes of Coronary Heart Disease.

A referral letter from a consultant or GP is required before booking any diagnostic investigation.

You will receive an appointment letter which will mention anything you need to do to prepare for your scan. You do not need to fast for the test however you must avoid caffeine from the midnight prior to the scan. This includes: no coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate or any other items containing caffeine. You should not smoke prior to the scan.
If you are on any medication, take these as normal. Please bring a list of any medications you are taking with you on the day of your scan. For the scan your heart rate needs to be at a certain rate to ensure a diagnostic scan. Medication may need to be given at your appointment if your heart rate is not at the required rate.
This will be in the form of a tablet known as a Beta-blocker. A Nurse will carry out pre scan checks which will decipher this. If this medication is given you are advised not to drive for 4-6 hours after your scan, therefore please make sure suitable arrangements have been made for your journey home, i.e. public transport/taxi/a lift.
For this CT scan, an injection of a contrast agent into a vein in your arm is necessary to highlight the heart and the coronary arteries. This injection very rarely causes any adverse effects but do tell the Radiographer if you have any allergies, kidney problems, high blood pressure, gout or diabetes as special arrangements may need to be made.
This scan should not be performed in pregnancy. Women of childbearing age (12-55) should inform our staff at the time of making their appointment if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

You will arrive at the Radiology Department and a member of the clerical team will check you in for your appointment.
A Radiology nurse will then bring you to the Preparation Area and assess your heart rate. You may be given a tablet called a beta-blocker to slow your heart rate for the test. The decision to give you this medication is made by a Consultant Radiologist after they evaluate your heart rate and your medical history has been assessed. The beta-blocker tablet can take up to 1 hour to work and you will be kept in the Preparation Area during this time. When it is time for your scan, you will be asked to change into a gown and to remove all metal from the area which will be scanned. A small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm.
Once you are in the scan room, you will be asked to lie on a sliding couch that will move you into the donut shaped scanner. During the scan a special contrast agent is injected through the needle to highlight the blood vessels which supply the heart, making them more visible on the CT images. You will also be connected to an ECG monitor which monitors the heart rate throughout the scan.
Your Radiographer will then position the table so that the part of your body being scanned is lying in the centre of the scanner. You will need to position your arms behind your head resting on a pillow. The table will move backwards or forwards very slowly and the X-ray unit will rotate around you to help produce images from all directions.
Your Radiographer will operate the scanner from behind a window, and he or she will be able to see, hear and speak to you during the procedure.
It can take several minutes the scant be complete and it’s important to lie very still during the process. At certain points during the scan you will be asked follow breathing instructions to breathe in and hold your breath. The Radiographer will inform you of the breathing instructions and practice them with you before the scan begins.
The whole scanning process will take between 15-30 minutes. The images are stored in a digital format and shown on a computer screen.

When the scan has been completed, the Radiographer will remove the needle from your arm, remove the ECG monitoring leads and assist you off the table. You will be moved back into the CT Preparation room where the Radiology Nurse will assess you post procedure. If you have been given the beta-blocker medication you will be kept in the Department for approximately 30 minutes after the scan after which time you may leave to return home.
We advise you not to drive after the scan due to the beta-blocker medication so you should arrange for someone to collect you.
As you have been given an injection of contrast agent, you will be advised to drink additional water for the remainder of the day and to avoid items that may dehydrate you such as tea, coffee or alcohol.
The scan will be reported by a specialist Consultant Radiologist and a report will be sent directly to the Referring Doctor.