Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) imaging — also known as a CT angiogram — uses computed tomography (CT) to look at the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that provide blood to your heart muscle.

UPMC experts perform the CCTA using state-of-the-art CT scanners. These scanners provide precise images of your heart with minimal radiation exposure.

What Is Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)?

CCTA uses a special computer to take multiple pictures of your heart and blood vessels using x-rays. After taking the pictures, the computer constructs 3D images of your arteries.

Can CT angiography detect blockage?

Yes. CCTA images show whether plaque build-up has caused a blockage inside your arteries.

What is the difference between a CT scan and a CT angiogram?

A CT scan uses noninvasive x-ray technology to take images of your heart and blood vessels. A CT angiogram is slightly more invasive because it combines CT scan technology with an injection of contrast dye to highlight blockages in your blood vessels.

Conditions we diagnose with CCTA

• Coronary artery disease.
• Chest pain.
• Congenital heart disease.

Why Would I Need CCTA?

You may need CCTA if you have:

• Chest pain — Your provider must see if any blockages are in your coronary arteries.
• Congenital heart disease — Your provider must see if there are any abnormal vessels or connections in the region of the heart.
• Other symptoms of coronary artery disease — These include shortness of breath or fatigue.

Who’s a candidate for CCTA?

You may be a candidate for CCTA if you are having symptoms of heart problems or are at high risk for developing heart disease. Although CCTA is safe for most people, it is not safe for people who are pregnant.

What is the advantage of CT angiography?

The contract dye used in CCTA highlights any blockages in your coronary arteries, which can help your doctor diagnose coronary artery disease.

Alternatives to CCTA

• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
• Positron emission tomography (PET).
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT).
• Stress echocardiography.

What Are the Risks and Complications of CCTA?

CCTA is a safe procedure for most people. However, like all medical procedures, there are some risks, including:

• Radiation exposure — The technologist uses a small amount of radiation to perform the study, but the risk is low.
• Allergic reaction — There is a slight risk of an allergic reaction when the technologist injects contrast or of an infection developing at the injection site. In rare cases, contrast material can harm people with severe kidney or liver disease.

What Should I Expect From CCTA?

Before: How to prepare for CCTA

After your doctor orders the CCTA test, you may need to:

• Take certain medications, such as a beta-blocker, to slow down your heart rate to improve the quality of the images.
• Have blood work to check your kidney function before the test.
• Avoid or temporarily stop medications. Your doctor’s office will give you instructions.
• Fast for a certain amount of time before the test. You will also receive an IV to administer the contrast.
• Receive medication to further slow down your heart rate on your test day. You may also receive a medication called nitroglycerin, which helps improve the quality of the images.

How long does CCTA take?

CCTA takes 30-60 minutes.

During your CCTA

After you arrive for your test, a nurse or technologist will help you change into a hospital gown. Your nurse or technologist will apply sticky patches (called electrodes) to your chest, which are used to monitor your heart rhythm during the study.

Your nurse or technologist may also insert an intravenous (IV) line in your arm, so contrast dye can be injected into your vein. The contract dye will highlight any blockages in your coronary arteries, which will help your doctor diagnose coronary artery disease.

During the study:

• You will lie flat on your back on a table that moves into the CT machine. It is important to lie very still during the test.
• A technician will control the machine from the next room and can see and hear you throughout the test.
• A nurse or technologist may inject contrast material into a vein to get a better picture of your heart, and you may experience a warm sensation all over your body.

Recovery after CCTA

You can return to your normal activities immediately after your CCTA. Your doctor will contact you with the results of your test.

When to call your doctor about CCTA complications

You should call your doctor if you experience any complications after your CCTA test, including:

• Blood pressure fluctuations.
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Flushing sensation.
• Stomach pain or pressure.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid heart rate.

What are the results of CCTA?

You may receive a normal or abnormal result from your CCTA test:

• Normal results may include:
• The arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle do not have significant blockage.
• Abnormal results can vary depending on your specific condition and may include:
• There is some blockage in a blood vessel.
• There is an abnormal connection between blood vessels.

Why Choose UPMC for CCTA?

When you choose UPMC for CCTA, you will receive expert diagnostic care from some of the region's most experienced cardiologists who diagnose and treat all types of cardiovascular conditions.

UPMC uses state-of-the-art CT scanners to perform CCTA tests. The scanners provide precise images of your heart with minimal radiation exposure.

If your test results show that you require additional cardiovascular care, the specialists at UPMC have the skills and experience needed to perform advanced cardiovascular procedures and offer you the latest treatment options. 

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.