CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY (CTCA)

What is a CTCA?

A CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is the most sensitive non-invasive examination of the coronary arteries. It’s performed without the need for hospital admission or catheters inserted into the groin. During the CTCA examination, contrast is injected into a vein in the arm, to examine the blood vessels that supply the heart.

CTCA can be used for a range of purposes, such as to:

• Assess chest pain and shortness of breath

• Investigate further after an inconclusive stress test

• Assess individuals who are symptom-free but have risk factors for coronary disease

• Rule in, or rule out, the presence of coronary artery disease, and accurately assess its severity

• Help identify other causes of chest pain that might be unrelated to heart disease

• Confirm if bypass grafts are still working and whether the underlying disease has progressed in follow-up patients who have previously had cardiac surgery

• Identify other cardiac abnormalities

Digital referral form for doctors

Before the appointment

You can eat and drink normally prior to the examination. Do not take Viagra or Levitra for 72 hours prior or Cialis for a week prior to your test. Please also bring a list of your medications and other cardiac-related examination results. Continue all usual medications and avoid caffeine.

A booking is required for a CTCA. We accept all radiology referral forms, so even if you have a form from another service provider we will happily perform your test.

Clinics that perform CTCA services are listed below:

Please remember to bring:

• Your referral form

• Medicare card / concession card

• Any prior imaging

FAQs

What happens when I arrive?

When you arrive at our clinic you will be greeted by our friendly reception team. We will ask you to complete a questionnaire and sign a consent form. Our nurse or radiographer will then perform some initial observations and will explain what to expect during the examination. You will be asked to change into a gown and an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be performed.

NOTE: Women should inform the radiographer if there is any possibility of pregnancy.

Please also alert staff if you have a known contrast allergy, diabetes, renal impairment or a thyroid condition.

When will my doctor receive the results?

Our radiologist and a cardiologist will interpret your examination and send the results directly to your doctor who, as a general rule, will receive them in 24 hours.