A highly advanced non-invasive procedure to evaluate your coronary arteries

While some non-invasive tests, such a treadmill stress test, can provide indirect information about possible blocked coronary arteries, a CT coronary angiogram can provide your Hurley cardiologist with an “inside look" at even the smallest blood vessels without entering the body. The goal of a CT coronary angiogram is to determine the extent of a potential blockage or narrowing of arteries. If significant impairment is found, additional tests may be recommended in order to pinpoint the location and level of blockage and to help determine an appropriate treatment plan.

This test may be used for people with elevated risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) but who may not have chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath or other common symptoms of CAD, are experiencing more unusual symptoms of CAD, or who may have results from other tests that are unclear. You should speak to your Hurley physician or cardiologist about whether a CT coronary angiogram is an appropriate option for you, and about any risks associated with the procedure.

During the procedure:

A contrast dye containing iodine will be injected into your veins through an IV line that has been placed in your hand or arm. If your heart rate is too fast or irregular, you may also be given medication that will stabilize or slow your heartbeat so that the test can create the clearest images possible. During the examination, x-rays will be administered that are received by the scanner, which will then convert them into a 3-D image of your coronary blood vessels. The scan itself should take only about ten minutes.