Coronary CTA
(Coronary CT Angiography)

A non-invasive imaging examination is performed to determine if fatty or calcium deposits have built up in coronary arteries or bypass grafts. Vessels are evaluated for narrowing, blockage, enlargement, or anomalies. Unlike invasive Cardiac Catheterization which shows only if an artery is narrowed, CTA identifies atherosclerotic plaque within the wall. Mild arterial narrowing by soft plaque can rupture and result in a heart attack. Coronary CTA enables patients to know if they have coronary artery disease before serious coronary artery disease symptoms begin.

Coronary CT Angiography is a minimally invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a state-of-the-art CT scanner to provide x-ray images of the veins and arteries of the heart. When the CT scanner completes its scan of the heart, a computer reconstructs the data into three dimensions. The images presented provide accurate information for the radiologist to make a diagnosis so your cardiologist and/or physician can treat you.

If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you may be considered a candidate for the exam. Additionally, there are risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity, which may make you a candidate for a Coronary CTA, pending your physician’s approval.