CT coronary angiogram information

PRP Diagnostic Imaging provides CT Coronary Angiography to visualise the coronary arteries, the chambers of the heart and valves.

Our highly qualified staff utilise advanced CT Gating technology in conjunction with Intravenous Contrast media to provide highly detailed images of your heart and the coronary arteries allowing our highly trained radiologists to accurately diagnose any blockages and other pathologies.

Please advise us beforehand

If you have had an adverse reaction to a previous contrast injection or other drugs or if you have any renal impairment. We will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the examination and sign a consent to the contrast injection if it is required for your examination.

If you are, or may be, pregnant.

Preparation

No caffeine for 8 hours prior (no tea, coffee or chocolate).

Fast 2 hours prior to appointment and arrive well hydrated (water only).

Bring current list of medication.

Special precautions

You may not be able to have this test performed if you have previously had a reaction to X-ray contrast, or have significant renal failure. You must inform staff if there is any chance of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.

Special instructions for diabetics

If your examination requires fasting, then book an early morning appointment and have your breakfast and diabetic medication after the examination.

If your examination will require an intravenous injection of contrast medium, we need to know your renal function. Please bring along the results of your most recent blood test creatinine level.

What happens during the procedure

During your Coronary Angiogram, one of our highly skilled technicians will call you from the waiting room and take to a private area to discuss your medical history, specifically any medications or heart conditions you have. This may include checking your heart rate and blood pressure.
Based on these findings and discusions with one of our highly trained Cardiac Radiologists, you may be asked to take some medication in pill form to slightly lower, or stabilise you heart rate. This can be essential to us being able to get a clear still picture of your coronary arteries.
You may be asked to remove your top half clothing and change into a gown and then one of our techs will attach 3-4 ECG dots to your chest to allow us to “Gate” your scan which allows us to scan in time with your heartbeat. A cannula will need to be inserted for this test as it is crucial to administer intravenous contrast material (dye) to adequately assess your coronary arteries and heart.
You will then be assisted to lay on your back on the CT bed, whilst an ECG machine and contrast injector are attached. You may also be further medicated if deemed appropriate by the radiologist to further stabilise your heart rate. This may be in the form of an IV injection through the cannula or a spray under the tongue.
The scan involves 4-5 breath holds (approximately 10 – 15 seconds) and finally the injection of contrast. Upon injection of the CT dye, you may feel a hot flush, a metallic taste and even feel like you have wet yourself. These are all normal sensations and will pass in about 20-60 seconds.
The CT Coronary Angiogram itself will take about 5 – 10 minutes.
If you have experienced any previous adverse reactions to CT Contrast, or have any allergies, please discuss this with our technicians at the time of your scan.
After your scan, we will assist you off the scanner and re-take your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure the medications effect is not more than desired. Once confirmed with our Doctor, your ECG dots and cannula are removed and you can go home.

How long does it take?

1-2 Hours

After your examination

If you have been given beta blockers, your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored to make sure they are normal before you leave. You may be given post-examination instructions to follow.

Provided your Doctor permits, drink plenty of fluids for the next 24-48 hours.

Your images and report

After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Please bring any previous X-rays with you.

It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.

Possible complications

Allergic reactions to contrast material can occur but significant reactions are rare, and generally respond to adrenaline. Our staff members are equipped and trained to treat contrast reactions.

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