Whether you know you’ve got coronary heart disease or it’s suspected – our private CT coronary angiograms will give you the answers you need to get your life back on track. Choose cardiologists that care and get private appointments that work around you.
What is a CT coronary angiogram?
A CT coronary angiogram also known as (cardiac CT angiography or CTCA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate suspected or known coronary heart disease. Using advanced CT technology and intravenous (IV) contrast material (dye), we’ll obtain 3D pictures to visualise the blood vessels of your heart (specifically the coronary arteries) and detect any blockages or abnormalities.
What are coronary arteries?
The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle of your heart and its great vessels. They are the first vessels to get any supply as blood leaves the heart – coronary arteries sit just above the outflow valve of the heart.
What’s the difference between a CT coronary angiogram & a conventional coronary angiography?
CT coronary angiography is a non-invasive alternative to Conventional Invasive Coronary Angiography (which involves catheterisation and contrast dye inserted into your arteries through a catheter). Whereas an invasive angiogram involves a plastic pipe being inserted into the actual coronary artery, a CTCA just needs an intravenous injection of dye.
CT coronary angiogram of the Right Coronary Artery.
Who needs a CT coronary non-invasive angiogram?
CT coronary angiogram is used to evaluate suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a build-up of plaque. It can help identify the location, severity, and extent of any blockages in the coronary arteries. This helps with the diagnosis and creation of a treatment plan to manage CAD.
A CT scan of your whole heart and aorta may also be recommended to see if you’re suitable for a TAVI procedure.
What does the procedure involve?
Watch Dr Malik actually having a CTCA himself in 2022!
Please note this procedure is undertaken at One Welbeck Heart Health.
- A CTCA scan is performed with you going into a wide metal tube. You have to lie still to allow the pictures to be taken. It is NOT a claustrophobic as an MRI scanner!
- A drug may need to be given to slow your heart rate down. This improves the picture quality.
- The test involves the use of X-rays* and X-ray dye, which is injected via a needle in the back of your hand. This can cause a feeling of warmth in the body and is usually harmless.
- Our expert cardiologists will assess the images
*The X-ray dose is similar to what you’d get from the atmosphere x-rays on a return flight to New York.
How invasive is the procedure?
There has been great progress in taking pictures of the heart and brain blood vessels. The radiation dose of the CT scan is usually the same as a conventional coronary angiogram. X-ray contrast dye also still has to be used. However, it’s much less invasive than the angiogram and will be the diagnostic tool of choice in some cases.
What happens after?
Once the images have been processed and the specialist has formed the report – your cardiologist will talk you through the results and make recommendations for treatment (if you need it).
Ready to book your CT Coronary Angiogram?
Either give us a call, e-mail or fill out our simple contact form to arrange your consultation with London’s top cardiologist specialists.
Get seen quickly
As we’re a private clinic, your appointments work around you. You’ll soon have the answers you need so you start enjoying life again with a much better prognosis.
Pricing
Insurance
A private coronary angiogram is covered by most private medical insurance policies, but please contact your insurance company prior to your appointment to obtain your pre-authorisation code to speed things up.
Self-funding
Our price list is available on request and is on display in our waiting area. For an estimation of costs please get in touch.
Why choose London Cardiovascular Clinic?
- We offer a patient-centred approach, so you’ll feel looked after and have all your questions answered
- Choose from our flexible appointment times and get seen at your convenience
- Personalised treatment plans
- Get consultancy & treatment from London’s top cardiologists – each with their own special interests
- You’ll experience a much more welcoming and relaxing experience at our private clinic than you would elsewhere
- Video resources to help you further understand your condition and the procedures involved
