A Coronary CT Angiogram is a medical imaging technique that uses a CT scanner to visualize the coronary arteries. This test provides detailed images of the heart’s blood vessels, allowing for the detection of blockages, stenosis (narrowing), or other abnormalities.

During a coronary CT angiogram, a contrast dye is usually injected into the patient’s bloodstream to enhance the visibility of the coronary arteries on the CT images. This procedure is useful for evaluating the coronary arteries without the need for invasive procedures such as a traditional cardiac catheterization.

At various times during the procedure, over a speaker, a technician will instruct you when to hold your breath and when to breathe. Pro tip: Take an extra half second to hold your breath so that you have taken in enough air to make it through that segment of the procedure!

As far as actions to be taken as a result of this procedure, a 70%+ blockage is the level where something invasive such as stent insertion or bypass surgery to address the blockage. For blockages less than 70%, if warranted, the blockages are addressed with cholesterol statins and changes to diet.