What is cardiac computed tomography (CT)?
Cardiac CT angiogram (CTA) is a heart-imaging test that uses CT technology with or without contrast dye to look at the heart vessels (coronary arteries), the aorta, and the veins to and from the lungs to the heart. What is included in with a CTA? The cardiac CTA looks for blockages, soft plaque, and calcium deposits in your heart. With a CTA, each person receives a calcium score this test is explained later in this hand-out. What is cardiac CTA? CTA is a noninvasive heart imaging test that takes 3-dimensional pictures of the moving heart and its arteries. These pictures are used to determine if either fatty or calcium deposits (plaques) have built up in the coronary arteries. What is involved in getting a CTA? Before you have the CTA, you will have a blood test to test your kidney function. To get the best pictures during the test, you will be asked to take a medication that will slow your heart rate. When you arrive for the test, the CT tech will insert an IV in your arm. You will be
