1. What is Computed Tomography (CT)?
      2. What do I need to do to prepare for my CT scan?
      3. What should I expect during the CT scan?
      4. What should I expect after the CT scan?
      5. What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?
      6. Who should consider having a CT Coronary Angiogram?
      7. What are some of the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
      8. What do I need to do to prepare for my CT Coronary Angiogram?
      9. What should I expect after the  CT Coronary Angiogram?

What is Computed Tomography? (CT)

A CT scan uses x-ray, a special scanner and computer equipment to produce cross-sectional views of specific body areas and organs. These views are commonly referred to as slices and enable the radiologist to focus on problem areas. The images produced provide your doctor with a 3-D view of your body. CT imaging is useful because it can show several types of tissue, such as lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels. One of the great advantages CT offers the patient is speed. This sophisticated machine is capable of scanning the entire torso in a single breath hold.

Common Applications:

• Head Trauma

• Abdominal Pain

• Sinus Problems

• Cancer Diagnosis

• Aneurysm

• Kidney Stones

• Stroke Diagnosis

• Lung Cancer Screening

What do I need to do to prepare for my CT scan?

On the day of the exam, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Depending on the part of the body being scanned, you may be asked to remove hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids or any other objects that may interfere with the exam.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for one or more hours prior to the exam, depending on the body part being scanned.
Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are allergic to or have ever had any reaction to iodine or contrast media.
Please bring any previous films and /or reports pertaining to this exam (CT, MRI, x-ray, etc) with you for your exam.

What should I expect during the CT scan?

Generally, a CT exam takes between 5 and 25 minutes, depending on the study your doctor had ordered for you. When you are ready to begin, the technologist will help you on to a sliding table and into a comfortable position. The CT machine has a rotating tube which obtains information in a steady, continuous motion as it rotates around you. You will move slowly into the machine.
To enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels, the use of different contrast agents may be required. Depending on the type of exam you are having, contrast material may be administered through an IV or swallowed. Before the contrast is given, you should inform the radiologist and technologist of the following:

• Any allergies, especially to medications or iodine.

• History of diabetes, asthma, kidney problems, heart conditions.

The technologist will leave the room during the exam, but will be in contact with you during the entire exam via a speaker system. The CT scan itself is very fast. It will take more time getting you on to the table into a comfortable position and preparing you for the exam than the actual scan itself.

What should I expect after the CT scan?

After your exam is completed, it will be reviewed and read by our radiologists. Any previous studies provided to us will be compared to your exam and the results will be sent directly to your doctor. Having all of your previous exams (x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, etc) will help us provide a more detailed report to the ordering physician and give him or her a more clear picture of your overall health.

What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?

CT Coronary Angiography is a non-invasive imaging procedure primarily used to evaluate the coronary blood vessels surrounding the heart muscle. compared to traditional catheter angiography, which involves injecting contrast material directly into an artery, CTA is much less invasive and more patient-friendly. It can also be far more cost effective.
Additionally, this technology provides a more comfortable scanning experience. The high-speed scanning and accurate results offers the patient:

•  Shorter exam times

•  Reduced x-ray exposure

•  Single breath-hold scanning

•  More rapid results for earlier detection of abnormalities that will facilitate the treatment   process

As part of the exam, you're positioned on a CT scan table and contrast is injected into a vein. Then, a special state-of-the-art, high-speed scanner captures hundreds of cross-sectional images. Afterwards, a powerful computer reconstructs a series of 3D images that our radiologists can view from any angle. Not only is this technique invaluable for delineation of the body's vasculature, but it is also relatively safe, convenient, and non-invasive.

Who should consider having a CT Coronary Angiogram?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. While heart attacks occur in 1.2 million Americans every year, for 150,000 individuals, the first sign of coronary disease is sudden death. A CT Coronary Angiogram may be appropriate for:

• Symptomatic patients considering stress test or elective cardiac catheterization

• Asymptomatic patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease

What are some of the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

• High Blood Pressure

• Family history of heart disease

• High Cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Overweight

• Sedentary Lifestyle (little or no exercise)

What do I need to do to prepare for my CT Coronary Angiogram?

The best images are obtained when the heart rate is relatively slow and regular. For that reason you must:

• Avoid all caffeine-containing food and beverages at least 24 hours prior to the study, including coffees, teas, sodas and chocolate.

• Avoid stimulant medications at least 24 hours prior to the study, including antihistamines, decongestants and caffeine-containing pain relievers.

You may take prescribed medications according to your usual schedule unless otherwise instructed. We may give you a medication prior to the study to reduce your heart rate.

Please drink 2-3 glasses of fluid, but avoid solid food during the 4 hours prior to your appointment.
Please plan on being at the center for an hour or so. When you arrive, the nurse will take a detailed cardiac history, take your vital signs, perform an EKG and start an intravenous line. ECG leads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate. A contrast agent, commonly used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues and blood vessels, is necessary for this study. The contrast agent is injected through an IV line.
When you are ready to begin, the technologist will help you into a comfortable position on a sliding table. The CT machine has a rotating tube which captures information in a steady, continuous motion as it rotates around you and you move slowly into the machine. The technologist will then leave the room to begin the exam. A speaker system keeps you in constant communication with your technologist throughout the procedure.
The CT scan is extremely fast. In fact, it will probably take you longer to get in the correct position on the table than it will to conduct the scan. Your technologist will ask you to hold your breath during the scanning, usually about 18 seconds or so.

What should I expect after the CT Coronary Angiogram?

Depending on whether medication is given to you prior to or during the exam, you may need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the exam. Your CT coronary angiogram will be reviewed by our radiologist. The results will be sent directly to your physician.