A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) primarily investigates coronary artery disease in patients with cardiac-sounding chest pain without requiring an invasive procedure. It is sometimes considered for screening patients with extensive cardiovascular risk factors. The procedure involves lying down in a CT scanner while intravenous contrast (dye) is injected into a vein in the hand or arm to visualise the coronary arteries.
The acquired CT data is then analysed to determine whether there are any significant narrowings of the coronary arteries, known as stenoses. If a significant stenosis is suspected, further investigation may be required including ‘functional’ tests for ischaemia, such as a dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE), nuclear myocardial perfusion scan (MPS), or proceeding to a direct invasive coronary angiogram +/- angioplasty (coronary artery stent insertion) or subsequent surgery with CABG.
Our specialists can organise a CT coronary angiogram after a medical consultation.