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Patlola, Raghotham
Lafayette, LA
Cardiologist - Dr. Raghotham Patlola received his undergraduate degree and medical education from B.L.D.E. Association’s Medical College...
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Your guide to:
Coronary CT Angiography
 what is coronary CT angiography?
Coronary CT angiography is a type of computed tomography (CT) that focuses imaging on the heart, its vessel walls and surrounding structures.
This test is performed in our office and is a less-invasive alternative that can sometimes be used instead of traditional testing that requires the insertion of a catheter for injecting dye into the body.
Coronary CT angiography is a valuable tool that can detect the early onset of heart disease, evaluate heart wall motion and function, measure the widths of arteries and detect and measure blockage inside those arteries. Doctors can also use this technology to check the condition of stents and grafts that are already in place.
how do I prepare for this test?
You may be given medication to take the night before the scan to counteract any allergic reaction that you may have to the dye used during the procedure.
Do not eat for three hours prior to the coronary CT scan and drink plenty of fluids. You should not have caffeine or nicotine for 12 hours before the scheduled test.
Some patients will be given a medication (beta blocker) to take one hour before the test to insure that the heart rate is low enough for the scan.
what should I wear?
When you dress for your scan appointment, wear clothes without metal zippers, snaps, clips, etc. For the ladies, sports bras are acceptable because they have no clasps. Elastic waist pants without zippers or snaps are another example of the preferred attire for a coronary CT scan. If you arrive wearing clothing that has metal fastners, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. It is best to leave all jewelry at home because you will be required to remove it before the procedure.
do I need to arrive early?
We ask that you arrive one half hour before the scheduled time for the scan. This allows us to check your heart rate and administer medication to slow it down if necessary.
what if I've had kidney problems in the past?
Your physician may want you to have IV fluids prior to your coronary CT exam if you�ve had kidney problems in the past, or if your kidney blood work is elevated. This usually takes approximately six hours. You are allowed to bring food and drink with you to consume during this time, and you are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.
what takes place during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the scanner.
Follow the technician�s instructions carefully. Movement can blur the image, but the CT technology that CIS uses is the fastest available. CIS was the first in Louisiana to have this technology that requires you to lie very still for only a short time. You will periodically be asked to hold your breath during the test.
The table will move slowly into the scanner as images are produced of your body. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
what can I expect when I arrive for the scan?
We ask that you arrive one half hour prior to the scheduled scan time to allow time for us to monitor your heart rate. If your heart rate is too fast to allow us to obtain clear images, you may be given medication to slow it down.
An IV will then be inserted into a vein in your right arm or hand so that the dye can be injected into your body. You will probably feel a warm flush feeling and experience a metallic-like taste in your mouth. You may have a false urinating sensation. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting may occur. All of these are normal and very mild sensations that are experienced by most people having CT scans. These are NOT allergic reactions.
what if I am allergic to the dye?
Only a small amount of patients are allergic to the dye used in a CT scan. The most common allergic reactions are hives, itching and redness. Shortness of breath and swelling are more severe reactions.
As stated earlier, you may be given medication the night before the scan to lessen the severity of any allergic reaction.
however, please note:
If you have had these reactions in the past, or if any of these side effects occur during or after the dye is injected, tell the medical personnel immediately. There are medications that can be given to diminish the severity of allergic reactions.
Please note that this Web site cannot replace regular discussions with your doctor or healthcare professional.
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