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Coronary arteries can be displayed in seconds with CT coronary angiography. Coronary arteries are viewed by administering a drug called contrast agent through the arm vein. While the inguinal artery is used in classical angiography, in CT angiography, the examination is performed by administering medication only through the vein in your arm. The procedure is bloodless and painless. The examination is done in a very short time of 15 seconds. Since it is no different from any computerized tomography examination, you can continue your daily life immediately after the examination.

Who Should Have CT Coronary Angiography?

– Those in the risk group:

– Those with suspected coronary disease

– Those with a family history of coronary artery disease

– Hypertension patients,

– Diabetes patients,

– Those with metabolic syndrome

– Smokers

– Those with high cholesterol

– Those with atypical chest pain

– Control of stent

– Control of by-pass vessels

Who Cannot Have Coronary Angiography?

– Those who can’t hold their breath

– Those with advanced iodine allergy

– Those with advanced kidney failure

Preparation for Examination

You can use all the medication you normally use. You should not eat or drink anything for 5 hours before the examination. Prior to the examination, you must inform the relevant health staff about the medications you are using. Be sure to report kidney failure, allergies or any major illness you have had. When you come to the examination, bring your previous test and examination results with you, if any.

Before the Examination

Wear comfortable clothes that do not contain metal. Since the ECG electrode will be attached to the chest, it is recommended to wear something like a t-shirt that can be easily opened or removed. Make sure that you do not have metal, jewelry or similar items on you. Since devices such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids and mobile phones during the examination will adversely affect the quality of the examination, please leave such devices to a family member outside. During the pre-examination preparation, the healthcare provider will insert a plastic vascular access into your arm for the medication to be given. During imaging, electrodes will be attached to your body for ECG connection. Oral or intravenous medication can be given to regulate the heart rhythm.

During the Examination

During the examination, you will be under the constant supervision of the health staff and physician. Your communication with the healthcare staff will be via microphone. During the entire examination, the health staff will be able to hear you and will be in constant contact with you. At the start of the examination, a control image will be taken before intravenous drug administration. Then, images will be obtained by “staining” the heart and coronary vessels with the contrast agent to be given through vascular access. A feeling of warmth and/or a metallic taste in the mouth may be felt during intravenous administration. This is normal and temporary. When the device that will perform the imaging starts to work, a motor sound is heard. It is very important that you do not move and remain calm during imaging. You will be asked to hold your breath during the test. This is the most important point. Breath holding time is about 12-15 seconds.

After the Examination

After the examination, you can continue your normal daily life, eat and drink something. It is recommended that you drink an extra 1 liter of water during the day so that the contrast agent given during the examination can be expelled from your body faster.