HomeThough the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes and with placement of an IV. If you have a hard time staying still, are very nervous or anxious or have chronic pain, you may find a CT
Though the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes and with placement of an IV. If you have a hard time staying still, are very nervous or anxious or have chronic pain, you may find a CT

Though the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes and with placement of an IV. If you have a hard time staying still, are very nervous or anxious or have chronic pain, you may find a CT

Including all preparations, the CCTA scan usually takes about 15 minutes if the heart rate is slow and steady. Inform your doctor if you have problems holding your breath for 5 to 15 seconds. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor, which shows your heart's electrical activity during the test.

 

When a contrast material is introduced to the bloodstream during the procedure, it clearly defines the blood vessels being examined by making them appear bright white. The information collected during the CCTA examination is used to identify the coronary artery anatomy, plaque, narrowing of the vessel, and, in certain cases, heart function. The only difference is the speed of the CT scanner and the use of a heart monitor to determine your heart rate.

 

Ask your doctor if you have questions about the instructions given to you. Any of these conditions may influence the decision on whether contrast material will be given to your child for the CT examination. The allergy information should also be discussed with the CT technologist or nurse at the time of the CT examination.

 

On the night before the procedure, you may be asked to take a beta blocker medication to lower your heart rate to optimize the quality of the exam. They are not compatible with the medications you will receive during the procedure. Any of these conditions may increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.

 

You should inform your physician of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand, if contrast material will be used in your exam. Apart from identifying coronary artery narrowing as the cause of chest discomfort, it can also detect other possible causes of symptoms, such as a collapsed lung, blood clot in the vessels leading to the lungs, or acute aortic abnormalities.

 

For patients meeting the above indications, CCTA can provide important information about the presence and extent of plaque in the coronary arteries. Low or intermediate risk for coronary artery disease, including patients who have chest pain and normal, non-diagnostic or unclear lab and ECG results. Many physicians advocate the careful use of CCTA for patients who have:

 

CT images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels. Computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a diagnostic medical test that, like traditional x-rays, produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. Plaque, which builds up over time, can reduce or in some cases completely block blood flow.https://ems-materielmedical.com/