Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is recommended when the
cardiac CT calcium scoring results are greater than 0. The Coronary CCTA is the gold standard heart
imaging test that helps determine if plaque buildup has narrowed the coronary
arteries which supply blood to the heart. Unlike the non-invasive cardiac
CT calcium scoring test, with a coronary CCTA scan you will receive an
iodine-containing contrast material as an intravenous (IV) injection to
ensure the best possible images of the heart blood vessels.
Why would I have this test?
You physician or cardiologist may recommend the coronary CCTA if you have:
suspected abnormal anatomy of the coronary arteries
low or intermediate risk for coronary artery disease, including patients
who have chest pain and normal, non-diagnostic or unclear lab and ECG results
low to intermediate risk atypical chest pain in the emergency department.
non-acute chest pain
new or worsening symptoms with a previous normal stress test result
unclear or inconclusive stress test results
new onset heart failure with reduced heart function and low or medium risk
for coronary artery disease
intermediate risk of coronary artery disease before non-coronary cardiac surgery
coronary artery bypass grafts
What are the benefits of a coronary CCTA test?
A coronary CCTA uses advanced CT technology to obtain 3D images of the
moving heart and vessels. Apart from identifying coronary artery narrowing
as the cause of chest discomfort, it can also detect other possible causes
of symptoms, such as a collapsed lung, blood clot in the vessels leading
to the lungs, or aortic abnormalities. Your primary care physician or
cardiac specialist, in consultation with a radiologist who would perform
the test, will determine whether a coronary CCTA is appropriate for you.
For more information, speak to your doctor or
contact Gunnison Valley Health's Diagnostic Imaging Department at
(970) 641-7253.
