A New Generation of Imaging Technology
Innovative technology is at the heart of the cardiovascular care you will receive at Cardiovascular Associates (CVA). One such technology is computed tomography (CT). Using advanced imaging capabilities, the CT literally opens a window to your heart – allowing our physicians an unprecedented look inside your body. CT makes it possible to see how blood flows from your arteries to your heart to the brain, lungs, kidneys, arms, and legs. Armed with this new technology, CVA physicians can precisely identify and treat cardiovascular problems.

Your physician can order two types of CT tests: a CT Calcium Score or CT Angiography. Calcium Scoring is a prevention test while CT Angiography is used as a diagnostic tool.

CT Calcium Score
Coronary calcification is a powerful risk indicator for heart disease. If calcium plaque buildup in your arteries is detected early, a heart attack may be prevented. This buildup can be detected quickly, easily and painlessly with a CT Calcium Score – the CVA Heart Scan. You receive a score that indicates the extent of calcification in the heart’s coronary arteries. Screen yourself for coronary artery disease and get peace of mind.

CT Angiography
CT Angiography is a safe, faster, non-invasive alternative to cardiac catheterization.
This test requires a physician referral.

How it Works
X-Ray beams capture cross section images or "slices" of an area of the body. A computer then combines them into a three-dimensional picture. These highly detailed images allow physicians to detect and diagnose problems without incision or invasive means. CVA uses a 64-slice scanner, the industry’s most advanced technology.

The Test- CT Angiography
CT Angiography is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Physicians examine the arteries that travel to the lungs, heart, neck, kidneys, pelvis, and legs to check for blockages and other problems. Aneurysms in the aorta, brain, or other major blood vessels can be identified. Aortic problems such as dissection (where the layers of the artery peel away from each other), and the ability to check functioning stents (mesh tube used to restore blood flow to blocked arteries) are also identified.

Step by Step Guide to your CT Angiography Exam

Getting Ready
• Only drink clear liquids before your test.
• Please refrain from caffeine and smoking for 24 hours.
• You will be asked if you have allergies or asthma, or if you are breastfeeding.
• Women will be asked to show results of a negative pregnancy test.
• You may not need to undress, but may be asked to remove jewelry, dentures, or underwire bras.

During the Test
• A contrast material (dye) will be injected through a vein in the arm to make blood vessels stand out during the test. An automatic injector machine will inject the dye at a controlled rate. You may feel warmth but this should not be painful at any time.
• For coronary exams, you will receive a medication called Nitroglycerine. In addition, if your heart rate is greater than 60 beats per minute, intravenous medications may be administered.
• A rotating device spins around you, creating a fan-shaped beam of X-Rays to take pictures in slices of your body. The table will move in and out of the scanner opening. You will be asked to remain still and may be asked to hold your breath periodically. The test takes about 10-25 minutes and your visit in total will be about an hour.

After the Test
• The images will be reviewed by CVA physicians. Any serious problems will be reported to the referring or ordering physician within 24 hours.

Words of Caution
Some people are allergic to the iodine in the contrast dye. If you have any history of this type of allergy, you will be given special medication beforehand to lessen risk. The contrast material can cause problems for patients with kidney disease or severe diabetes. Pregnant women should not have any type of exam exposing them to X-Rays.

To schedule your CT test, please call 847.952.7196.