Download Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: Halifax Infirmary

Patient & Family Guide
2016
Coronary
Computed
Tomography
Angiography
Halifax Infirmary
www.nshealth.ca
What is a Coronary Computed
Tomography Angiography?
A coronary computed tomography angiography
(CTA) is a test that looks at the arteries supplying
your heart with blood. A CT scan machine is
used.
If you have any questions, please ask.
We are here to help you.
1
How do I get ready for the test?
• Do not drink caffeine (such as coffee, tea, or
cola) for 12 hours before the test.
• Do not eat for 2 hours before the test.
• Take your usual medications – EXCEPT FOR
Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra®. Do not take
these medications for 48 hours before the test.
• Your doctor may have asked you to take beta
blocker medications (such as metoprolol,
atenolol, bisoprolol) before your test. Please
remember to take these.
Day of the test:
• Have someone come with you to the hospital.
• Bring a list of your medications (or bring your
medications in their original containers).
• Go to the Diagnostic Imaging Department on
the 3rd floor of the Halifax Infirmary building.
• A nurse will take your blood pressure and
pulse.
• You may be given medications to slow your
heart and relax you.
Who will do the test?
• An X-ray/CT technologist will do your coronary
CTA under the supervision of a cardiac (heart)
radiologist.
2
What will happen during the test?
• An intravenous (IV) will be started in a vein in
your arm.
• You will have small sticky patches placed on
your chest. These will be attached to a heart
monitor.
• You may get a spray of nitroglycerine under
your tongue.
• X-ray dye will go through the IV.
• The CT scan will look at the arteries to your
heart.
• The test will take about 30 minutes.
• It is important to relax during the test.
After the test:
• You may have to stay in the Department for
about 15 minutes so we can keep an eye on
you.
• Be sure to eat as usual and drink plenty of
fluids.
• Do not drive right after the test. Someone else
should drive you home.
• The test results will not be ready on the same
day. Your referring doctor will usually have the
results in 24-36 hours.
3
QEII Health Sciences Centre
is made up of 10 buildings located on two sites
Emera
Oval
EXIT RIGHT
ONLY
Emergency
Entrance
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ENTRANCE
TO
EMERGENCY
AND PARKING
P
P
P
P
to
Dalhousie
University
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Please do not wear scented products
when you come to the QEII.
.
Prin A504 Rev. 02/2016
(1121 South Park Street)
4
Notes:
Looking for more health information?
Find this pamphlet and all our patient resources here: http://library.nshealth.ca/PatientGuides
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazines, and other resources.
For more information go to http://library.novascotia.ca
Nova Scotia Health Authority promotes a smoke-free, vape-free, and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Nova Scotia Health Authority
www.nshealth.ca
Prepared by: Diagnostic Imaging ©
Illustration by: LifeART Health Care 1 Images, Copyright © 1994, TechPool Studios Corp. USA
Designed by: Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone Patient Education Team
Printed by: Dalhousie University Print Centre
The information in this brochure is for informational and educational purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WN85-1171 Updated October 2016
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years or as needed.