CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
What is CTCA?
CTCA is a specialised CT scan that uses an iodine contrast injection to produce detailed pictures of the heart’s arteries. It helps detect plaque and narrowing that may reduce blood flow to the heart.
Why is it done?
Doctors request CTCA to investigate chest discomfort or shortness of breath, assess coronary risk in selected patients, check bypass grafts or stents, and clarify inconclusive stress-test results. It’s especially useful for people with low–to-intermediate risk of coronary disease.
How to prepare
Please follow these instructions so we can obtain the best quality images:
- Caffeine: Avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate and some cold/flu tablets for 24 hours before your appointment.
- Medications: Keep taking your usual medications unless we advise otherwise. Bring a current medication list. Take any medication prescribed by your cardiologist before the exam.
- Erectile-dysfunction medicines: Do not take sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) or similar within 48 hours before your scan.
- Smoking: Please avoid for 12 hours before the scan.
- Food & drink: Please fast for 2 hours before the scan. drink plenty of water, its important to be hydrated.
- Tell us if: you are pregnant or might be; have kidney or thyroid problems; diabetic or have had a previous reaction to iodinated contrast.
What happens on the day?
- We’ll check your history, heart rate and blood pressure, and place ECG leads to monitor your heartbeat.
- You may receive medication (often a beta-blocker and/or nitroglycerin) to slow the heart and improve images.
- An IV cannula will be placed for iodine contrast.
- You’ll lie on a padded table that moves through a doughnut-shaped CT scanner (open at both ends). Our radiographer will guide you and can see and speak with you throughout. You will be asked to follow short breath- hold instructions.
- The scan itself takes about 15 minutes; but please allow up to 3 hours in the clinic for preparation and recovery.
Safety
CTCA uses a small amount of ionising radiation; we use modern dose-reduction techniques and only perform the scan when the expected benefit outweighs the risk. Serious contrast reactions are uncommon and our staff are trained to manage them. If you’re breastfeeding, current guidance indicates you do not need to stop after iodinated contrast.
After the scan
We will keep you for 20mins to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. If you received heart-rate-slowing medication or nitroglycerin you might feel light-headed; please arrange someone to drive you home. Drink water through the day. A radiologist will interpret your images and send a report to your cardiologist within a few days.
What to bring?
- Your doctor’s referral
- Medicare card (if applicable)
- A list of your current medications
- Someone to drive you
- Previous relevant imaging or test results
Bookings & enquiries
CTCA appointments are scheduled to allow for preparation and monitoring. Contact Northside Imaging to discuss preparation and the next available time.
This information is general and does not replace advice from your doctor.