CT coronary angiography uses ECG-controlled CT and iodine contrast to assess the coronary arteries, plaque and narrowing.
Why might CTCA be requested?
CT coronary angiography, also called CTCA or coronary CTA, may be requested to assess chest symptoms, coronary anatomy, plaque type, possible narrowing or an abnormal previous test. It is not a default screening test for every person without symptoms.
Before your appointment
- Refrain from all caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks etc) for 24 hours prior to your exam, and fast for 2 hours prior to your exam. If you are unsure please contact the clinic.
- Please bring a list of all of the medications you are currently taking.
- Tell the clinic about kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, contrast reactions, pregnancy and all medication.
- Tell the clinic if you take sildenafil, tadalafil or similar medication because nitrate may be used during CTCA.
- Do not stop heart, blood-pressure or diabetes medication unless specifically instructed.
- Allow extra time because heart-rate assessment and medication may be required before scanning.
- MBR Health will typically have you arrive at 9am to allow time to slow your heart-rate if required.
Heart-rate control and medication
Clear coronary images are easier to obtain when the heart rate is slow and regular. You may receive a beta blocker to reduce heart rate and a nitrate spray or tablet to widen the coronary arteries. These medicines are not suitable for everyone, so the team reviews your history and blood pressure first.
During the scan
ECG stickers are placed on your chest and a cannula is inserted. You lie on the table, usually with your arms above your head. The iodine contrast may cause brief warmth or a metallic taste. You will be asked to hold your breath while the images are acquired.
What CTCA can and cannot show
CTCA can assess the coronary artery lumen and plaque, including calcified, non-calcified and mixed plaque. Motion, irregular rhythm, very high heart rate, heavy calcification or metal can limit image quality.
CTCA shows anatomy. A stress test or another functional test may still be needed to assess whether a narrowing limits blood flow. Invasive coronary angiography may be required when treatment or definitive catheter assessment is needed.
After the scan
You will be observed after contrast (and medication) for 15 to 30 minutes after the scan. Follow the clinic’s advice about driving, hydration and resuming medication. The report is sent to the referring clinician for interpretation and management.
Related Patient Guides
- PG2001 – CT Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
- PG2002 – What Is Spectral CT? A Simple Patient Guide
- PG2003 – Spectral CT in Cancer Imaging: What Patients Should Know
- PG2004 – CT Contrast: Iodine Contrast Explained
- PG2005 – Radiation Dose in CT: Understanding Risk, Benefit and Context
- PG2006 – Low-Dose CT Lung Screening: Preparation, Results and Follow-Up
- PG2007 – Coronary Artery Calcium Score: What the Test Can and Cannot Show
- PG2009 – CT Angiography: Brain, Neck, Aorta and Peripheral Arteries
- PG2010 – Dental and Cone Beam CT: What to Expect
We have more detailed information on many interesting regenerative and radiological topics on our Insights page
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
What is the difference between CTCA and a calcium score?
A calcium score measures calcified plaque without contrast. CTCA uses iodine contrast to assess the coronary lumen, narrowing and multiple plaque types.
Will I feel the contrast?
Brief warmth, flushing or a metallic taste is common and usually passes quickly.
Can CTCA replace invasive angiography?
It can avoid invasive angiography in some patients, but catheter angiography may still be required for uncertain findings, pressure measurements or treatment.
| Important: Call 000 for severe or ongoing chest pain, collapse, sweating, breathlessness or other possible heart-attack symptoms. Do not wait for an outpatient CTCA appointment. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-2008 [Patient information: CT coronary angiography uses ECG-controlled CT and iodine contrast to assess the coronary arteries, plaque and narrowing.]
For further reading on CT Scans please see below:
- Appendicitis CT Scan
- Chest CT Scan
- CT Scan for Back Pain
- Knee CT Scan
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Asbestosis CT Scan
- CT Abdomen Scan
- Heart CT Scan
- Lung CT Scan
- Sinus CT Scan
- Brain CT Scan
- CT Scan Calcium Score
- Kidney CT Scan
- Neck CT Scan
Need a CT angiogram on the Gold Coast?
MBR Health performs advanced CT angiography for the brain, neck, aorta and peripheral arteries, with Spectral CT techniques that can improve vascular contrast and assessment in selected patients.
