In India, there are several cases of artery blockages, and patients are recommended to have specific diagnostic tests. Many people are skeptical about undergoing the test due to a lack of information about the test. If your doctor has recommended you to get CT Angiography, then this article will help you to get a deep insight into the test.
CT Angiography (Computed Tomography Angiography or CTA) is a test used to diagnose the potential causes of artery blockages which can lead to severe diseases like Coronary Heart disease (CHD).
During the test, a contrasting material is injected into your blood vessels with the use of a catheter or only using injections for children and older patients. Afterward, you are passed through a big doughnut-shaped X-ray machine that monitors the area of your blood vessel to diagnose the problem and to make high-quality images.
Why is CT Angiography done?
CT Angiography is used to diagnose the blockage of arteries. These blockages are caused due to the accumulation of plaque (cholesterol) in the arteries or blood vessels. It can also be used in examining all major body parts like the brain, neck, heart, chest, abdomen (such as the kidneys and liver), pelvis, legs, feet, arms, and hands as well.
CT Angiography also helps the doctor to monitor the exact area of the blockage and the degree to which it can affect your health. It is proven to be a very effective diagnostic test because of its accurate results.
It can also diagnose many other blood vessel-related problems like aneurysms, blockages, blood clots, congenital (birth-related) abnormalities of the cardiovascular system including the heart, disorganized blood vessels such as vascular malformations, injury, tumors, vessel rupture, or tears.
CT Angiography vs Conventional Angiography
There are some key similarities and differences in both of the tests.
CT Angiography is a non-invasive method, while Conventional Angiography is a slightly invasive method of diagnosing. Both of the procedures use X-ray imaging to diagnose the blocked blood vessels. CT angiography uses an injection to insert contrary material (dye), and the conventional method uses a catheter to insert the dye.
A huge machine is used to X-ray the blood vessels in CT Angiography, and a catheter is used in Conventional Angiography. There is no certain risk for an average person while undergoing CT Angiography, but Conventional Angiography can have some risks associated with it.
While both procedures have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, one should ideally consult a cardiologist to determine which is the most appropriate for their specific case.
Benefits of CT Angiography
There are a plethora of benefits of undergoing CT Angiography, some of which are as mentioned as follows:
- CT Angiography provides a fast, non-invasive way to carry out assessment of whether surgery is needed or not.
- It is a better option for people who might face complications with other procedures.
- It has almost negligible risks for an average person.
- X-rays (or radiations) used in the process have no after-effects.
Risks of CT Angiography
There are no significant risks of CT Angiography; however, there are some minor risks like:
- Radiation exposure is dangerous in some cases and should be carefully considered in consultation with the doctor.
- Allergic reaction to the contrary material (Dye).
- The dye can be lethal for people who are at risk of kidney failure.
- CT Angiography of pregnant ladies and new mothers can harm their babies. X-ray radiation can harm the unborn baby, and the dye can affect small babies as they breastfeed.
- Beta blockers can cause bronchospasm (major airway narrowing) in people who have asthma. However, with newer equipment, beta-blockers might not be needed.
If you are planning to undergo CT Angiography, then you must consult the doctor about the potential risk it can have on you.
Preparations and procedures for CT Angiography
While preparing for the test, there are some preparations that your doctor will suggest you have a successful diagnosis.
Your doctor will ask you to replace your clothes with a hospital gown. You must make sure that any metal or steel material isn’t attached to your body as it can hinder the imaging of the X-rays. You also have to remove your hearing machines, removable dental implants, and ear piercings as well.
Your doctor will also inform you not to eat or drink anything pre-diagnosis. The doctor can also suggest you steroids if you have an allergy, asthma, or any other heart disease. Ladies who are pregnant should also discuss the risks the test can have on the baby, and if there is any medication or measure to prevent it.
After successful preparation, you can gear up yourself to undergo CT Angiography.
- The procedure will start by a radiology technologist, and he will ask you to lie still on the CT examination table.
- The doctor will inject fluid with a catheter or normal injection into your veins for high-quality imaging. He can also attach ECG leads to synchronize your heartbeats with CT scanning during heart imaging.
- You will be passed through the machine for X-ray imaging, and the doctor can ask you to hold your breath a couple of times during the procedure.
The procedure can last from 30 to 60 minutes. You must hydrate yourself in abundance for 24 hours, post-diagnosis to drain the dye from your body.
Where to get CT Angiography from India?
There are many high-quality CT Angiography diagnostic hospitals available in India, but their sticker price is also very steep. Most of the hospitals can charge you hidden fees. If you are looking for a hospital on which you can rely for the quality, experience, and expertise, then you should visit Ayu Health.
Ayu Health has partnered with premium diagnostic centers to provide best-in-class CT Angiography. Our network hospitals also have a high-quality infrastructure and highly trained cardiologists for heart-related procedures like Coronary Angiography, Coronary Angioplasty, etc.
Key features of Ayu Health CT Angiography offering include:
- 128 slice CT Scanner – no beta-blocker needed irrespective of heart rate
- Non-invasive procedure
- Low radiation dose
- Independent of heart rate for cardiac Imaging
- No hospitalization, No surgery, No pain or discomfort
- Free consultation with a Cardiologist
If you are looking for a leading cardiologist, you can reach Ayu Health at +91 – 6366 100 800.
Read more: All you need to know about CT Angiography
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