Everything You Should Know About CT Angiograms
A coronary CT angiogram is a minimally invasive X-ray procedure that uses a contrast dye to look for any blockages in the heart. At ImageCare Centers, we provide high-accuracy cardiac imaging services including CT angiograms in New Jersey.
Using modern computerized topography and X-ray technology, your CT angiogram can show how the blood flows through your coronary arteries and provides a detailed image of all the pathways to your heart. If your arteries are restricted, blocked, or inflamed, this could lead to angina. This is an intense coronary disorder that causes chest pain, discomfort, and shortness of breath.
During your procedure, our technician will insert an IV through your arm or hand with contrast dye, which enhances the details of the images. Sticky patches or electrodes are attached to your chest which is connected to a machine that records your heart rate and rhythm. You lie on a table that glides into a machine shaped like a doughnut (CT scanner) while a technician operates the CT scanner from another room, taking images from several angles. They may instruct you to hold your breath for a few seconds to prevent chest movement during the scan. While the actual CT scan may only take a few seconds to minutes, with setup time, the procedure typically takes around an hour.
What Can a CT Angiogram Diagnose?
A CT angiogram can diagnose and detect a range of heart issues. Some conditions and issues this imaging procedure can detect include:
- Brain aneurysm: This happens when a blood vessel becomes enlarged and has the potential to rupture
- Atherosclerosis: Narrowed blood vessels from fatty material that forms plaque in the artery walls
- Damaged and abnormal blood vessels: This damage may be a result of injury or may be congenital
- Coronary artery disease: A condition where the major blood vessels supplying the heart are narrowed
Contact us today to learn more about how ImageCare Centers can help you find answers through CT angiograms and other services.