CT angiography is a type of CT scan that generates 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.
A 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.
A CT angiogram utilizes contrast material (dye) and advanced CT scan equipment to visualize the structures of arteries. A CT angiogram can detect blockages inside arteries and plaque buildup. If a blockage is not attended to in a timely manner, patients may face complications like heart attack or stroke. A CT angiogram has the capability to detect blockages in their earliest of stages. If a particular patient cannot undergo a MR angiogram, your referring physician may decide to go with a CT angiogram instead.
A CT angiogram requires fasting up to 12 hours before your exam. You are allowed to continue drinking water during this time period. Caffeine should not be consumed at all prior to the appointment due to how it affects the images of the heart. If you have any questions regarding your CT angiogram, reach out to your referring physician or our team of experts at SJRA here.
