A CT coronary angiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that creates three-dimensional images of your heart, arteries, and blood vessels. These images reveal any blockages or buildup that impede the flow of blood to the heart. A CT coronary angiogram provides medical information used to diagnose severe medical issues, such as coronary artery disease.
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Understanding the Basics
Understanding how a CT coronary angiogram works reassures you about the value of the medical information it provides.
A Simple Definition
A CT coronary angiogram is a non-invasive test that uses scans to capture hundreds of images. Once it has captured all the two-dimensional images needed, these pictures are assembled to produce a three-dimensional image of your arteries.
What It Looks Like
The three-dimensional image provides a look inside your arteries, revealing whether you have blockages or buildup. A CT coronary angiogram procedure is a powerful early detection tool because it can show buildup in its earliest stages, enabling you to receive appropriate medical care to prevent severe health issues.
Why You Might Need One
You may need a CT coronary angiogram if you have symptoms of heart health issues, such as coronary artery disease.
Common Reasons for a Referral
Your doctor may recommend a CT coronary angiogram if you have the following symptoms or risk factors:
- Chest pain
- Family history of any of the following:
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Your doctor may also refer you for a CT coronary angiogram before scheduling a surgical procedure, such as a stent replacement.
Screening for Peace of Mind
Smoking causes coronary arteries to narrow, making it harder for blood to flow to your heart. High cholesterol also increases your risk of heart health issues. A CT coronary angiogram can alleviate concerns about the impact of prior dietary and lifestyle choices by confirming whether you have narrowed or blocked arteries.
Preventative testing is an effective way to reassure yourself about your heart health, or identify potential issues in their earliest stages, increasing the likelihood of restoring your health.
How the Test Works: The Technology Behind CT Coronary Angiogram Scans
CT coronary angiograms typically take an hour or less. Your doctor can provide medication that can help if you’re claustrophobic, and all the information you need to prepare for your scan.
Medical personnel will check for potential allergies. Since the scan emits a low dose of radiation, it provides crucial health information, while being safer than other medical tests.
Before the Scan
Fast for eight hours before your scan. Drink only non-caffeinated beverages for 12 hours prior, and only water after you begin fasting.
Your doctor will let you know if you should continue taking any medications you’re currently on.
Wear clothes that make it easy for you to change into a gown and avoid jewelry.
During the Procedure
You’ll receive an injection of contrast dye before your imaging test. The contrast dye highlights your blood vessels, making them easier to see when the scanner takes images. The scanner emits low doses of radiation when capturing the images.
You’ll lie on a table during the test. Once you’re lying on the table, it’s inserted into a metal tube that resembles a donut. Medical personnel will tell you to hold your breath and stay still while the scanner captures images. The machine buzzes, clicks, and whirs as it moves into position and captures images.
After the Scan
Most require no recovery period following a CT coronary angiogram. You can eat, drink, work, exercise, or engage in other activities. It’s a good idea to flush the contrast dye from your system by drinking fluids after your scan.
Allergic reactions affect less than 1% of those given contrast dye. In most cases, symptoms appear within an hour of receiving the dye.
Symptoms include:
- Convulsions
- Hives
- Itching
- Nausea
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting
Report any symptoms you experience immediately to receive appropriate medical care.
Results are available within seven to 10 business days.
The Power of Early Detection
Early detection is a crucial medical tool used to diagnose and treat severe medical issues.
Spot Problems Before They Become Serious
A CT coronary angiogram enables early detection of potential health issues, confirming if you have an elevated risk of arterial and heart health problems. It also allows for early diagnosis of developing health issues. Preventative Diagnostic Center provides preventative scans to ensure patients receive essential medical information before severe health issues develop.
A Key Tool in Preventive Cardiology
Early diagnosis typically decreases the cost and time needed to treat heart health issues. You may also be able to restore your health with lifestyle changes. In some cases, these scans have prevented heart attacks, and reduced the risk of death from coronary heart disease.
You may be able to manage your condition and mitigate your health risks with lifestyle changes, including the following:
- Avoiding activities that increase health risks, such as smoking
- Consuming a healthy diet
- Exercising
- Losing weight
- Managing stress through meditation and stress therapy
Your doctor can provide treatment or medication to address existing issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You should also ensure you get enough sleep at night to maintain your health.
How It Compares To Other Heart Tests
Several tests can provide medical information about your arteries.
CT Angiogram vs. Stress Test
Studies show that a CT coronary angiogram accurately identifies 91% of patients with clogged arteries, whereas stress tests have an accuracy rate of 69%. The anatomical images produced by a CT coronary angiogram are more detailed, providing more accurate diagnostic data.
CT Angiogram vs. Cardiac Catheterization
CT coronary angiograms use less contrast dye than cardiac catheterization, reducing the risk of kidney damage associated with the test. CT coronary angiogram procedures are also faster. Cardiac catheterization is invasive, increasing the risks and recovery time after the test.
Is It Safe? What About Radiation?
Your CT coronary angiogram procedure will expose you to radiation, however it is minimal.
Low-Dose CT: A Safer Choice
Lose-dose CT scans deliver a minimal amount of radiation that’s well below what’s considered a safe exposure level. Routine screening is completed to ensure radiation levels remain well below safe exposure levels.
Why Choose Preventative Diagnostic Center for Your CT Angiogram?
Preventative Diagnostic Center specializes in preventative health scans that provide crucial medical information. You do not need a referral. If you have health concerns, you can book an appointment today. Our medical doctor will ensure you receive the proper scan to address your health concerns.
Advanced Low-Dose Technology
Preventative Diagnostic Center utilizes cutting-edge, low-dose CT scans, minimizing risks to patients while providing detailed medical information that can be used to diagnose health issues.
Expertise You Can Trust
Preventative Diagnostic Center’s expert medical team includes a doctor of osteopathic medicine, and a board-certified radiologist with extensive experience in providing non-invasive health scans.
Comfortable, Convenient Experience
Preventative Diagnostic Center offers a straightforward scheduling process, ensuring you can receive a safe, effective heart scan. Our supportive staff team will explain the process and provide guidance on how to prepare. We have short waiting times for scans, and you do not need a doctor’s referral to schedule a scan.
Ready To Take Control of Your Heart Health?
The preventative health team at Preventative Diagnostic Center is available to answer questions and help you schedule your heart scan. Contact us today to learn how we can help you access accurate medical information to address your health concerns, or schedule your non-invasive scan.
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Sources:
Adamson, P., et al. (2019). Guiding Therapy by Coronary CT Angiography Improves Outcomes in Patients With Stable Chest Pain.
Computed Tomography (CT) Angiogram. (2024).
Coronary Artery Disease. (2024).
CT Angiogram. (2025).
CT Coronary Angiogram. (2024).
CT Scan VS Stress Test: Which Is Better for Identifying CAD. (2025).
More, D. (2025). Symptoms of Contrast Dye Allergy and What to Do.
