CT angiography uses computed tomography (CT) scanning to generate high-resolution images of the inside of a patient’s blood vessels. A contrast material (dye) is injected into the patient; as the dye flows through the blood vessels to the various organs of the body, the CT scanner generates a map of the blood vessels. CTA provides valuable information about the nature of blockages (soft plaque versus hard calcified plaque), the extent of blockages, and about the wall of the vessel.
CT angiography is minimally invasive compared with traditional coronary angiography, which involves puncturing a major artery in the groin and passing a catheter directly into the coronary arteries.
Preparing for a CT angiography
Do NOT eat or drink anything for three hours prior to your procedure.