Coronary CT Angiography in Dallas, TX

Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that is a variation of a normal CT scan, providing high-speed X-ray images of literally hundreds of cross-sectional views of your body to yield detailed images of the blood flowing through the veins and arteries.

When the CT scanner completes its programmed scan of the particular area that needs to be studied, a powerful computer takes the digitally stored data from the images and reconstructs them in 3D. This allows the radiologist to view your anatomy from any angle without having the image blocked by intervening structures. The images presented provide extremely accurate information for the radiologist to make a diagnosis so your cardiologist and or physician can treat you.

Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center has been offering imaging services to patients in the Dallas area since 1985. We are dedicated to promptly and accurately addressing your questions while providing compassionate care to ease any concerns you may have. For more information about Coronary CT Angiography, please don’t hesitate to call our imaging center at (214) 345-6905.

What is Coronary CT Angiography Used to Diagnose?

Coronary Artery Disease is the single leading cause of death in the United States. Of the 1.2 million Americans who have heart attacks every year, approximately 150,000 of them die without showing any symptoms. With the advancement of CT scanners, this technology is being used to identify and diagnose diseases and conditions affecting the flow of blood in veins and arteries throughout the body in patients with and without symptoms.

Typical vessels examined include those serving the brain and those bringing blood to the heart, lungs, kidneys, arms, and legs. Compared to traditional catheter angiography, CCTA is much less invasive, more patient-friendly and in many cases presents a cost-effective alternative that delivers better detail and more information

Is CT Angiogram Right for Me?

Your physician or cardiologist determines if CCTA is appropriate for your condition. Generally speaking, if you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain indicating the possibility of coronary artery disease, you would be considered a candidate for the exam.

Additionally, there are many people who do not outwardly show any symptoms however, they do have conditions which are associated with risk factors for the disease. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, are overweight, smoke or lead a sedentary lifestyle, any one of these factors or a combination of them would make you a candidate for the exam pending your physician’s approval.

Is Coronary CT Angiography Safe?

Not only is this technique invaluable for delineation of the body’s blood vessels, it is also relatively safe, convenient and much less invasive than traditional angiography where a sizable catheter is generally threaded through a vein or artery. In many cases, CCTA may eliminate the need for surgery. The risk associated with CCTA is an allergic reaction to contrast materials used to improve the visualization of the veins and arteries.

How To Prepare for a CT Angiogram

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. (You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.)
• You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and dental work, such as bridges and dentures.
• You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 3 hours before the exam, especially if contrast material will be used.
• Metal objects such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins should not be worn since they could negatively affect the CT images.
• You should inform your technologist or physician of any medications you are taking and whether or not you have any allergies, especially to contrast materials.
• You should also tell your technologist or physician of any recent illnesses if you are pregnant or have other medical conditions such as a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease or thyroid problems.
• Women who are breastfeeding may find it advisable to pump breast milk ahead of time so that it can be used until all the contrast material has been removed from your body.

What Should You Expect During a CT Angiogram

The procedure generally takes about an hour. CCTA depends heavily on your heart rate. The target heart rate should be 60 beats per minute or slower. You will be screened prior to the day of the exam and given specific instructions by a nurse to help provide optimum results. Depending on health history, patients may be given medication to slow down their heart rate and dilate their coronary arteries. You will be positioned on the CT table on your back and straps and pillows may be used to help maintain the correct position and hold you still during the exam. A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous line (IV) into your hand or arm.

The CT table with you on it will be moved quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scan and a test image will be taken. The actual exam will begin after this and you will move slowly through the scanner. At all times a technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you. While the images are being recorded, you will hear an array of noises and an automatic injector connected to the IV will inject contrast material at a controlled rate. You may be asked to hold your breath during the scanning. When the exam is complete your IV will be removed.

While the scanning causes no pain, there may be discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes. For patients who find it difficult to remain still or who are claustrophobic or in chronic pain, a mild sedative prescribed by their physician may provide relief. If intravenous contrast material is used, you may experience a warm, flushed sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Minor reactions include itching and hives which can be relieved with medication. Visit radiologyinfo.org for more information.