Coronary Ct Angiography

What Is Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography)? How Is It Performed?

Coronary CT angiography, also known among the public as virtual angiography, is an advanced cardiac CT method used to examine the heart and the arteries that carry blood to it. It provides safe and rapid diagnosis in people with chest pain, shortness of breath, or suspected heart disease. Unlike conventional angiography, CT angiography involves no incision, so there is no pain or recovery period.

At DAVIVA Health Group, Coronary CT Angiography is performed by specialist physicians and a technical team.

What is Coronary CT Angiography, also known as cardiac CT, and who is it performed for?

What Is Coronary CT Angiography? (What Is Virtual Angiography?)

It is a 3D imaging test that identifies plaques, blockages, or narrowing in the coronary arteries. Coronary CT angiography, used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, is sometimes also used to assess the heart’s overall function. During Coronary CT Angiography imaging, a special contrast agent is administered intravenously to make the vessels more clearly visible. This helps obtain clearer images.

In Which Situations Is Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) Performed?

Cardiac CT may be used to clarify the diagnosis in situations where symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, are present.

• Coronary CT Angiography is suitable for people with a family history of heart disease.
• Coronary CT Angiography (cardiac CT) is a suitable choice for patients who want an assessment of their heart health.
• Coronary CT angiography is suitable for evaluating patients at risk of cardiovascular disease, such as those with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking habits.
• Coronary CT Angiography can be used in follow-up examinations of patients who have previously had heart disease.

How Is Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) Performed?

• During the Coronary CT Angiography procedure, you will lie on the table of the CT scanner.
• During the procedure, your heart rhythm will be monitored with ECG, which records electrical signals. This allows the images obtained to be matched with the heart’s movements.
• Before starting the Coronary CT Angiography procedure, the necessary contrast agent for imaging will be injected.
• Sometimes, medications may be given before the procedure to lower your heart rate in order to minimize heart movement.
• As the CT table passes through the scanner, images will be taken from different angles for precise imaging.
• You will need to lie still while the images are being taken.
• To obtain clear images, you may sometimes be asked to hold your breath briefly.

What Are the Advantages of Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography)?

• CT angiography is a safer alternative to conventional coronary angiography for detecting coronary artery disease in low- and moderate-risk patients. Coronary CT angiography uses advanced imaging techniques without the need for surgery.
• It provides a high level of accuracy in diagnosing coronary artery disease.
• Coronary CT angiography (cardiac CT) is quick and comfortable for the patient.
• Because there is no incision in Coronary CT angiography, hospitalization or a recovery period is not required.

What Are the Risks of Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography)?

• Coronary CT angiography uses X-rays for imaging. Although low doses of X-rays are used during imaging, the patient is exposed to radiation during the procedure.
• During Coronary CT angiography (cardiac CT), a special contrast agent is given to the patient to obtain clearer images. The contrast agent used during imaging may cause allergic reactions.
• Although very rare, medications that may be given during imaging to slow the heart rate and widen the arteries can cause dizziness or headache.
• It is a safe alternative for those who do not want or cannot undergo standard angiography.

How Should You Prepare Before Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography)?

There are things patients should pay attention to before a cardiac CT scan. These can generally be listed as follows;

• 12 hours before Coronary CT Angiography (cardiac CT), avoid all beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola).
• For your comfort during imaging, choose loose clothing without metal accessories.
• It is helpful to drink plenty of water before Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) imaging.
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue taking all of your medications as usual before the cardiac CT scan. Share information about all the medications you use with your doctor.
• If you smoke, avoid smoking for 12 hours before Coronary CT Angiography (cardiac CT).

In addition, kidney function tests should be performed before Coronary CT Angiography (cardiac CT). It should also be checked whether you are allergic to the contrast agent to be used during imaging.

What Should Be Considered After Coronary CT Angiography (Cardiac CT)?

• Coronary CT Angiography is a same-day procedure. In other words, it usually does not require hospitalization.
• You may be kept under observation in the hospital for a while to monitor for allergic reactions to the medications used during Coronary CT Angiography (Cardiac CT) imaging.
• Unless otherwise instructed, you can continue your normal activities after Coronary CT Angiography.

When Will the Results of Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) Be Available?

The results of cardiac CT are usually available on the same day. Coronary CT Angiography results are evaluated at our hospital by experienced radiology specialists. Problems such as vessel blockage, narrowing, or plaque formation are identified, and an appropriate treatment plan is prepared.

How Much Does Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) Cost?

Coronary CT Angiography prices may vary. The pricing policy of the hospital and doctor performing the cardiac CT is a determining factor. In addition, the special substance used during contrast-enhanced cardiac CT and the patient’s condition may also affect the price of cardiac CT.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CORONARY CT ANGIO

What Are the Differences Between Cardiac CT and Coronary CT Angiography?

Coronary CT Angiography, commonly known as Virtual Angiography, contrast-enhanced cardiac CT, CT cardiac angiography, coronary vessel CT, or cardiac CT, may be referred to in different ways. All of these terms mean the same thing.

How Many Minutes Does Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) Take?

Cardiac CT takes approximately half an hour to 1 hour, including the preparation process.

To obtain the best results in coronary vessel CT, a medication that slows the heart rate may be given to the patient before the procedure. In addition, contrast agent is administered to the patient before CT cardiac angiography. These procedures take approximately 25–45 minutes.

Coronary CT angiography scanning can be completed in as little as 1–2 minutes. The speed of Coronary CT Angiography is also closely related to the technology used. High-resolution Coronary CT Angiography devices can obtain very clear results even in patients with a high heart rate.

Monitoring the patient after CT angiography for any adverse reaction to the medications or contrast agent takes about 10–15 minutes.

Is Coronary CT Angiography (Virtual Angiography) Harmful?

CT cardiac angiography is a frequently used and safe imaging method for identifying coronary artery disease and blockage of the heart vessels.

However, X-rays are used during cardiac CT angiography to obtain images. This means the patient is exposed to radiation. The amount of radiation used during CT angiography is considered minimal. Therefore, the risk of radiation exposure is low. There is always a theoretical risk with radiation exposure. However, the benefits of receiving an accurate diagnosis usually outweigh the risks. There is no radiation left in the body after cardiac CT.

At the same time, a contrast agent is administered to the patient during cardiac CT angiography imaging. Allergic reactions to the contrast agent and, rarely, negative effects on kidney function may occur.

What Is the Difference Between Virtual Angiography and Conventional Angiography?

Coronary CT Angiography, also known as Virtual Angiography, and Conventional Angiography are imaging methods used to identify blockage of the heart vessels and coronary artery disease. However, there are differences between them in terms of application, risk, and results.

We can list the differences between Virtual Angiography and Conventional Angiography as follows;

• Virtual Angiography, that is, Coronary CT Angiography, is a non-invasive procedure, meaning no incision is made in the skin. In Conventional Angiography, however, a catheter is inserted into the vessel. Therefore, a small incision in the skin is required.
• Virtual Angiography gives excellent results in detecting soft plaques and anatomy. Conventional angiography provides real-time imaging. It is also superior in terms of intervening in blockages in the heart vessels during the procedure.
• There is radiation exposure in both Virtual Angiography and Conventional Angiography. In both virtual and conventional angiography, radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.
• Virtual angiography does not involve procedure-related complication risks. In Conventional Angiography, however, there are risks such as bleeding, vessel injury, thrombosis, etc.
• Since no incision is made in Virtual Angiography, no recovery period is needed. Therefore, a return to normal activities can happen very quickly. In Conventional Angiography, however, it may usually require a few hours of recovery or an overnight hospital stay.
• Virtual angiography has high rates in terms of diagnostic accuracy. Conventional angiography, on the other hand, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease and blockages in the heart vessels.

Who Is Not Suitable for Coronary CT Angiography?

Although it is a safe imaging method, there are people who should not undergo virtual angiography.

• It is not suitable for people with heart rhythm irregularities.
• It is not recommended for patients with impaired kidney function because contrast agent is used.
• It may not be ideal for obese patients due to image quality issues.
• Conventional angiography remains the best option for these people.
• Coronary CT Angiography may not be suitable for pregnant women and young children.

Is Coronary CT Angiography Painful?

There is no pain or discomfort during cardiac CT. However, some people may feel a sensation of warmth due to the contrast agent.

What Is the Difference Between CT Calcium Score and Coronary CT Angiography?

Both screening methods can detect coronary artery disease, but they do so in different ways. The differences between CT Calcium Score and Coronary CT Angiography can be listed as follows;

• CT Calcium score is quick and does not require contrast agent injection. CT angiography, however, takes a series of images with contrast agent. Therefore, it requires somewhat different preparation.
• CT Calcium score measures calcified plaque and provides a single numerical value. It does not directly show the arteries. CT angiography, however, visualizes the arteries and detects both calcified and soft plaque, showing any narrowing in the vessels. While CT calcium scoring gives a clue about the presence of disease, CT angiography provides a detailed image of the disease.
• CT calcium scoring is used as a screening tool in people without symptoms and helps identify hidden risks. CT angiography, however, is a diagnostic tool used when it is necessary to confirm the presence or extent of disease.