Usually, you'll be asked not to eat anything for about eight hours before your test.
You can drink water, but avoid caffeinated drinks before your test, because they can speed up your heart rate. This can make it difficult for your doctor to get clear pictures of your heart.
You can drive yourself to the appointment, and you'll be able to drive home or to work after your test.
During the procedure
Just before you begin your scan, you'll need to remove clothing above your waist, as well as any jewelry. You'll change into a hospital gown.
Your doctor may give you a medication called a beta blocker, which will slow your heart rate. This will allow the doctor to see your heart more clearly. Some people have side effects from beta blockers, such as shortness of breath or wheezing in some people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Do not take VIAGRA, CIALIS OR LEVITRA for 48 hours before examination.
Let your health care provider know if you've had side effects from beta blockers in the past.
A technician will insert an intravenous (IV) line in your hand or arm to inject the dye that will make your heart's arteries visible on the images taken by the CT scanner. Although the actual scanning portion of the test takes as few as 5 seconds, it may take up to an hour for the whole process because beta blockers need time to slow your heart rate sufficiently.
The technician will place some electrodes on your chest to record your heart rate throughout the exam.
A technician will operate the machine from a room that's separated from your exam room by a glass window. There will be an intercom system the technician can use to talk to you.
It's important to stay as still as possible and hold your breath during the scanning portion of the exam. Any movement can blur the X-ray images.
After the procedure
After your CT angiogram is completed, you can return to your normal daily activities. You should be able to drive yourself home or to work.
The images from your CT angiogram should be ready soon after your test. Usually, the doctor who asked you to have a CT angiogram should discuss the results of the test with you.
After the examination, call immediately back the London Consulting Medical Center-026261661 ext 401 or 115 in case you experience general itchiness or shortage of breath.
