Have you also been asked to do a CT angiogram? Let's find out about this (CT Angiogram)

Has your doctor told you to have a CT Angiogram? You may have been a little scared and nervous when he said that. You may have many questions in your mind, such as "What kind of test is this?", "Will it hurt?", "What will happen?" It's very normal. Don't be afraid. Today, we'll talk about this CT Angiogram in a way that you can understand, very simply.

Simply put, what is a CT Angiogram?

A CT Angiogram is a special test that takes detailed pictures of your blood vessels and the tissues around them . It's actually a type of CT scan. But here, a special liquid called a 'contrast dye' is injected into your body. This liquid makes your blood vessels appear "lighted up" on the scan images.

This test is often done to check for blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries in the heart. This condition is called Coronary Artery Disease . Therefore, this test is sometimes called CCTA.

What are the reasons for doing a CT Angiogram?

In addition to problems with the heart's arteries, this test is very important for diagnosing a number of other medical conditions. Imagine, your doctor can take a three-dimensional (3D) picture of your blood vessels and rotate it like a model in his hand to find the exact location of the problem.

Here are some of the conditions that this test can detect:

Doctors also use this test to plan ahead for surgeries such as heart valve replacement , heart bypass surgery, or stent placement.

How should you prepare before the test?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for this, but you should usually inform your doctor about these things.

• Tell me about all the medications you are currently taking .
• Tell us about your complete medical history , including any heart disease, kidney problems, and any allergies you may have.
• Most importantly, be sure to tell us if you have ever had an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used for a scan like this before .
• Also tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .

Then the doctor will tell you:

• How many hours do I need to fast (without food or drink) for the test?
• Do you need to stop taking any medications you usually take before the test ?

When you go for the test, you will need to wear a hospital gown. You will also need to remove any jewelry or metal objects you may be wearing, as they may interfere with the scan.

What actually happens during the test?

A CT Angiogram is usually a quick and painless test. There may be some discomfort, however, as an IV catheter is inserted into your arm. You do not need to be sedated (numb), and you will be awake.

You lie down on a bed, and the doctor moves around in a large circle shaped like a doughnut. It doesn't go through a completely closed tube like an MRI scan, so most people don't feel cramped.

It is very important that you remain still throughout the test. This is how you can get clear pictures. This test is performed by a specially trained radiologic technologist. He or she will explain everything to you and tell you what to do (for example, when to hold your breath). Here is what usually happens:

1. You will be made to lie down on the scanner bed. You may use pillows and belts to help you stay comfortable.

2. A cannula (IV) is inserted into a vein in the arm or hand to give the contrast dye into the body.

3. You may feel a slight warmth when the dye is applied. This is normal, don't worry. It will go away after a while.

4. If the test is on your heart's arteries, small patches will be attached to your chest. These are called (EKG leads) . This allows for accurate pictures to be taken of your heartbeat.

5. When everything is ready, the technician will go to a separate room. He/she will be able to see you and talk to you through an intercom.

6. The patient is then inserted into the donut-shaped scanner. At this point, the machine takes hundreds of images. You may hear a slight buzzing or clicking sound .

7. When the technician tells you to "hold your breath," do so. Even a little shaking can affect the quality of the pictures.

8. After all the necessary pictures have been taken, the cannula will be removed and a small band-aid will be applied to the area. You will then be helped out of bed. The test will then be over.

The entire test can take between 20 and 60 minutes, including preparation time. However, you are only inside the scanner for a very short time, about one or two minutes .

Are there any disadvantages to this test?

As with any medical test, there are some minor risks involved, but these risks are generally very small compared to the benefits of the test.

• Allergy to Contrast Dye: This is not a problem for most people. However, very rarely, someone can have an allergy. If you have had this before, your doctor may give you a medicine to prevent it or recommend another test.
• Radiation exposure: This involves a very small dose of radiation. Your doctor will consider all of this and decide whether to do this after weighing the benefits and risks of the test.

What happens after the test?

Once the test is over, you can return to your normal activities. The most important thing is to drink plenty of water and fluids . This will help the contrast dye in your body to be quickly flushed out with your urine.

A radiologist will review your scans, create a report, and send it to the doctor who ordered your test. Your doctor will then bring you in and explain what the report says and what needs to be done next. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have at this time.

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