FAQ's for Patients

How should I prepare?
On the day before and day of your exam, you may be asked to avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, or sodas

The scan is usually scheduled in the morning at about 11.00am. Light breakfast in the morning is allowed (at least 3 hours before scan). Fluids can be taken till about 1 hour before scan. You should inform us if you are on any medications. Previous treatment records should be submitted on the day of scan.
Also inform us of any recent illness, and if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems.

Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. CT is contraindicated during pregnancy.

How is the procedure performed?
At the time of your arrival in our department, your heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, and history will be reviewed.  An intravenous line will be placed into your arm. If not contraindicated, we generally administer oral medications to slow the heart rate (generally beta-blockers), which improves the image quality and helps ensure a diagnostic study.  When the heart rate is slow and stable, the CT examination is performed which only takes a few minutes including the placement onto the table and the actual image acquisition (done in a breath hold of 5-10seconds). A brief sensation of warmth will be experienced during contrast injection. After the examination, you will be monitored for a short period in our center before being allowed to leave. Including all preparations, the coronary CTA scan takes about 20 minutes.