What is CT angiography?

Coronary angiography is a modern imaging test that allows doctors to see in detail the arteries of the heart, which are called coronary arteries. These arteries are very important for the functioning of the heart muscle because they are the vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the heart. When these arteries are narrowed or blocked due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic lesions inside them, serious cardiac events such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction can occur.

CT coronary angiography is an examination that is performed using a CT scanner, just like the well-known chest CT scan, and creates detailed images of the heart’s arteries. Unlike classic coronary angiography, which is invasive and requires the insertion of a catheter through an artery in the patient’s body, CT angiography is non-invasive and does not require hospital admission.

How is CT angiography performed?

Before the exam, no special preparation is needed. The patient is usually asked to avoid caffeine consumption for a few hours and to inform the doctor of any allergies or medications they are taking, just like with any other CT scan. During the examination, intravenous contrast is administered to highlight the coronary arteries and to obtain quality images from the CT scanner.

The patient is then asked to hold their breath for a few seconds to avoid the presence of parasites and optimize the quality of the examination. The procedure is relatively short and takes about 10-20 minutes.

Why should a patient undergo CT coronary angiography?

CT angiography is recommended for people who have symptoms that may be related to coronary artery disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs that concern the treating physician. It may also be recommended for people with risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, or a positive family history of early coronary disease.

The main advantage of this test is that it can very reliably detect narrowings in the arteries of the heart before they become severe and rupture causing myocardial infarctions. In this way, time is given to the patient and his physician to make early changes in the patient’s lifestyle and start treatment with medication resulting in the slowing down of the progression of coronary heart disease and the prevention of cardiac events.

What exactly does CT angiography show?

The images resulting from CT angiography give the attending physician a clear picture of the condition of the coronary arteries. If there is a narrowing or blockage, the doctor can see and assess the severity and location of the narrowing. It can also study the composition of the atherosclerotic plaque that causes the narrowing and predict the likelihood of plaque rupture and acute occlusion of the vessel in the coming years. In this way, it is decided for each patient individually whether lifestyle changes and initiation of medication are the right choice or whether angioplasty should be recommended for the early prevention of a myocardial infarction.

Advantages and risks of CT angiography

CT angiography has significant advantages over traditional angiography. It is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia or a hospital stay, and has a lower risk of complications. Test takers can return to their normal activities immediately after completing the test.

However, like any medical examination, it has some risks. Radiation exposure is one of them, although the dose is relatively small. There is also the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast agent, although this is rare. For this reason it is important that the patient informs his doctor of any allergies before the examination.

In conclusion, CT angiography is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease by offering detailed images of the coronary arteries without the need for invasive procedures. It is a safe and effective test to check the health of the heart and is crucial in identifying narrowings in the arteries of the heart that, if left untreated, could lead to serious complications. If your doctor recommends this test, it is important to have it as it can play a vital role in maintaining heart health.

Our heart is the source of our life. September is dedicated to World Heart Day, let’s remember how important it is to take care of our heart every day. A healthy heart contributes to more moments of happiness and well-being with our loved ones.