Heart Package With CT Coronary Angiogram

• Detection of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The main purpose of a CCTA is to check if the coronary arteries are narrow or blocked, which shows there might be CAD.
• Diagnosis of Vascular Problems: CCTA is also used to find different blood vessel issues apart from CAD, like:
  • Aneurysms: Identification of irregular bulges or widening of blood vessels.
  • Atherosclerosis: Detection of fatty plaques accumulating within blood vessels.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: Assessment for blood clots in the pulmonary arteries.
• Reasons for Testing: People might need a CCTA if they show signs of heart problems or if doctors need more details about their condition because of:
  • Abnormal test results from stress testing, echocardiograms, or electrocardiograms.
  • Concerns about coronary artery structure.
  • New or worsening symptoms of CAD.
  • History of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

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Benefits of CT Coronary Angiogram

• Noninvasive Assessment: Unlike traditional coronary angiograms, which involve threading a catheter through the groin or arm, CCTA is noninvasive. This means it doesn't require any incisions or catheter insertions, reducing the risk of complications associated with invasive procedures.
• Cost-Effectiveness: CCTA provides a cost-effective means of assessing coronary artery disease (CAD). It offers accurate results without the need for invasive procedures, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with traditional angiograms.
• Accurate Anatomical Evaluation: CCTA offers a timely and accurate method of evaluating the anatomy of the coronary arteries. It can detect narrowed or blocked arteries, providing detailed information about the extent and location of plaque buildup.
• Prognostic Utility: CCTA provides valuable prognostic information, helping clinicians assess the risk of future cardiac events. This information can guide treatment decisions and interventions to improve patient outcomes.
• Expanded Scope: The use of CCTA is expanding beyond CAD assessment. It can also be valuable in evaluating low-risk suspected acute coronary syndrome and providing alternative explanations for symptoms by detecting non-coronary components or congenital anomalies.
• Detection of Blockages and Plaque: CCTA can accurately detect blockages caused by plaque buildup in coronary arteries. This information is crucial for diagnosing CAD and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
• Faster and Less Invasive: CCTA is faster and less invasive compared to traditional angiograms, leading to reduced discomfort and fewer complications for patients.
• Comprehensive Diagnosis: CCTA can detect both arterial and venous diseases, as well as structural abnormalities of the heart, before symptoms appear or when symptoms are not clearly related to blood vessel disease. This comprehensive assessment can lead to early detection and intervention.
• Minimal Side Effects: X-rays used in CCTA have no immediate side effects, making it a safe option for patients requiring cardiac imaging.

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Is CT Coronary Angiogram Safe?

A coronary CT angiogram is generally safe, but there are some risks. As mentioned before, allergic reactions to the contrast dye may occur, resulting in symptoms like itching, redness, hives, nausea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or kidney failure. There's a slight increased risk of cancer due to radiation exposure, especially with multiple scans over time. Precautions may be necessary for those with a history of allergies or kidney disease. Pregnant women should avoid this test due to potential harm to the fetus. Despite these risks, CT coronary angiography remains a painless and effective method for diagnosing blocked arteries, especially for individuals with chest pain, potentially saving lives.

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How do I prepare for a CT Coronary Angiogram?

Preparing for a CT coronary angiogram procedure involves a few steps to ensure the procedure goes well and the pictures of your heart are clear. Here are some points to consider before going for the CTCA procedure:

• [Important] Cut back on caffeine, like coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate, since they can make your heart beat faster.
• Taking someone with you, like a friend or family member, can give you support during the process.
• If you have certain conditions like asthma, diabetes, kidney problems, or allergies, a CTCA might not be the best option, and your doctor can suggest other choices. So, it is better to talk with your doctor regarding your previous health conditions.
• You don't have to fast, but it's best to avoid heavy meals before the procedure to prevent nausea, especially with the contrast agent. Each facility has its fasting rules, usually about four hours without food before the test. You can drink water. Tell your doctor about your medications, as they might need adjusting before the CTCA.
• Your doctor may prescribe beta-blockers to slow your heart rate for clearer scan images, but it depends on the CT machine. Advanced scanners like the 128 Slice CT may not require them.

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What happens during a CTCA?

During a CT angiogram, the procedure begins with a technician administering a numbing medicine and inserting an IV through your arm or hand to allow contrast dye to flow. Also, Electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor heart rate and rhythm. You then lie on a table that moves into a doughnut-shaped CT scanner. From another room, a technician operates the scanner, capturing images from various angles. During the scan, you may be asked to hold your breath momentarily to minimize chest movement. The entire process typically takes about an hour, including setup time. These are the medications may be used during the procedure:

• Beta Blockers: These are administered to lower heart rate for clearer images, particularly if your resting heart rate is not low enough (~60 bpm).
• Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN): This is a vasodilator spray administered under the tongue to dilate blood vessels for better visualization.

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What happens after a CTCA?

After your CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) is done, you'll go to a recovery area where doctors will watch you closely. They'll take out the tube from your arm, and if you're feeling okay, you can go home. Your doctor will set up another appointment to talk about the CTCA results, especially if any problems like narrow or blocked arteries are found in the pictures.

Note: If you're allergic to the contrast agent, which is rare, be aware that you might have reactions like sneezing, itching, or in severe cases, trouble breathing or swelling in your face and throat. But don't worry, the medical staff knows how to handle emergencies like this quickly.

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CT Coronary Angiogram Cost

CT Coronary angiography costs vary across different locations. In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, the typical range is from INR 14,000 to INR 25,000, depending on the diagnostic center.