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Press Release: HealthFlash Marketing Communications
RPA offers CT Angiography Services WHAT IS CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY? CT Cononary angiography is an incredible new procedure that provides detailed visualization of the heart's arteries. We are proud to be able to offer these services within the Diagnostics Imaging Center of United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. CT coronary angiography can be performed more quickly, comfortably and affordably than standard coronary angiography. The images are very simi;ar to those provided by invasive heart catheterization, without catheters and without the need to insert equipment into the body. Only an IV line and a small amount of dye are required, so there is minimal risk. This new procedure takes advantage of the huge advances made in CT scanning and software processing technology, and allows us to creaate 3-dimensional images of the heart. HOW IS THIS TEST DIFFERENT FORM A HEART SCAN (CORONARY CALCIUM SCORE)? A Heart Scan allows us to precisely measure calcium deposits, which are markers of plaque formation in the coronary arteries. It does not let us measure the degree of narrowing of the arteries. The CT angiogram gives us precise pictures of how the blood is flowing through the arteries and whether there are any restrictions in the blood flow. It also allows visualizations of the "soft plaques" which may or may not have calcium deposits. WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING THE STUDY? No hosipitalization is required and the entire procedure usually last about 30 minutes. The actual scan itself only takes about 15 seconds, and you remain fully clothed. First, a regular IV is placed in the arm and contrast dye is injected. Next, you hold your breath for 10 seconds and pictures are taken of the heart. There is no long catheter threaded into the internal structures as with the traditional hospital catheterization procedure, thus reducing the risk of side effects. The IV is taken out after the procedure is completed and you can go home. IS THERE ANY SPECIAL PREPARATION THAT MAY BE REQUIRED? Depending on your individual case, you may be required to take a medication to slow your heart the morning of the study. You should not experience any side effects from this. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the study and refrain from drinking caffeinated beverages. Lab resports will be required prior to rhw study, if the haven't been done lately, to assess your kidney function. THE BENEFITS OF CT ANGIOGRAPHY ARE BEST FOR: -Follow-up of patients with high calcium scores (usually >100). -Patients with unusual chest pain syndromes. -Patients with questionable stress test results. -Pre-op evaluation of the arteries before a surgical procedure. -A monitor of patients who have had stent placements or open heart surgeries in the past to determine if the stents or bypass grafts are still open and functioning adequately. -Annual follow-up of heart transplant patients. -Evaluation of congenital heart anomalies. -Patients with unusual chest pain syndromes and/or SOB. AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THIS TEST? You should discuss whether this is an appropriate test for you with your physician. Since this is so new , your doctor may not be familiar with the test. We would be happy wo discuss this procedure with your physician. They may contact our staff radiologist. Back to Media |
