CT Coronary Angiography

A CT coronary angiogram uses computed tomography to take images of the coronary arteries of the beating heart. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle and disease of these vessels is caused by inflammation and fatty deposits in the blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis. This can be detected on a CT coronary angiogram. Contrast medium is injected into a vein to allow the inside and outside structure of the blood vessels to be clearly visible on the CT angiogram images. CT images of the heart are clearer if the heart rate is slow and you may therefore be given a medication to slow the heart rate before the procedure. It is advised to avoid tea (including herbal teas), coffee, cola, chocolate or other stimulants before the procedure as these contain caffeine, which may speed up the heart rate.