Coronary CT Angiogram - Brochure
General Information
The procedure is a non-invasive method of visualizing the coronary arteries by use of x-rays with computerized images. These images are then assembled with a computer to create a 2-dimensional picture of the heart and the arteries.Although the test itself takes only a few minutes, you should plan for about 2 hours. It takes some time to get ready for the test and for observation afterwards.
Before the procedure
- Do not eat or drink anything for 3 hours before the procedure.
- Do not take any medication containing NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naprosyn, etc.) for 48 hours prior to the procedure. If you are unsure about your medicines, please contact your primary doctor.
- Do not take Viagra, Cialis or Levitra for 72 hours prior to the procedure.
- DO take your other medicines as usual-including ones for blood pressure.
During the procedure
Prior to the start of the test, an IV will be placed in your arm. To obtain clear pictures, a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute is needed. Since the average person's heart rate is above 60 beats per minute, medication is often the day of the test to achieve this goal. The medicine is given both orally and through the IV. When the necessary heart rate is achieved, the CT tech will have you lie on your back on the scanner table with your arms above your head. You will be asked to hold your breath for approximately 20 second during the exam. As you pass through the x-ay beams, the contrast will be injected into the IV to visualize the vessels. During the injection of the contrast you will feel a hot sensation throughout your body. This will pass quickly.After the Procedure
Following the procedure, you will stay for 15-20 minutes for observation. Then you will be allowed to go home. You may drive yourself home. You may drive yourself home. You may eat and should drink plenty of fluids following the test today. The IV contrast you receive will be filtered from your bloodstream by your kidneys during the next 24 hours. You will not be aware of this and your urine will not change color.Drinking 4 extra glasses of water or juice will help this process and reduce stress to your kidneys.
If you are diabetic and take medicine containing metformin, it is important that you STOP TAKING METFORMIN for 48 hours following the test to avoid a possible side effect.
The following medicines contain metformin:- Glucophage (metformin)
- Glucovance (glyburide/metformin)
- Metaglip (glipizide/metformin)
- Avandamet (rosiglitaxone/metformin)
Most contrast reactions are immediate. Should you develop symptoms of concern after discharge, contact the department at the number below. After hours you should contact your primary physician. If you develop difficulty breathing or wheezing, call 911.
The doctor that ordered this procedure will contact you with the results of this test.
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