CT coronary angiogram (CTCA)

A CT (computed tomography) coronary angiogram, or CTCA, uses a CT scanner to create detailed images of your heart’s coronary arteries.

Your doctor may order this test to:

• investigate chest pain
• check the coronary arteries (vessels that supply blood to the heart) before or after heart surgery.

A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) is different to a coronary angiogram where dye is injected directly into the coronary arteries.

Before your appointment

You may have to stop some medications before the scan. Talk to your doctor about this.

Before the day of your appointment, tell your doctor or the clinic if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye, iodine, medication or food
• have kidney problems
• are pregnant.

The quality of the scan is best if your heart rate is low. So avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks), nicotine (including vapes) and alcohol before the test. Allow plenty of time to get to your appointment, so you don’t have to rush.

For four hours before the scan, don’t eat or drink anything except water.

What happens?

The scan will be done at a hospital or in a clinic.

You’ll be asked to change into a gown and remove all metal objects such as jewellery and watches.

You may be given medication to slow down your heart rate. This makes the images clearer.

An IV (intravenous) line will be put in your arm. A small amount of contrast dye (x-ray dye) is injected into a vein through the IV. The dye is not harmful.

Sticky pads (electrodes) will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart during the scan.

You will be asked to lie flat on your back on the table. The table slides into the CT scanner while the images are taken. You’ll need to keep as still as possible. The scanner will take different views of your heart. Your head will stay outside the scanner.

The scan takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Expect to be at the appointment for a few hours.

After the test

You’ll be able to drive after the test and return to your normal daily activities.

Drink plenty of water to help flush the contrast dye from your system.

You won’t get the results on the day. They will be sent to the doctor who ordered the test.

Key things to remember