Coronary computed tomography angiogram, Coronary CTA, is also available at South Pointe. This noninvasive heart-imaging test helps determine whether deposits have built up in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.  If left untreated, these areas of buildup called plaques, can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain and/or heart attack.

During a coronary CTA, X-ray pictures are rapidly taken of the heart.  The information creates 3-D images of the heart on a computer screen.  The whole procedure only takes about 10 minutes.

 

This procedure is less invasive than the traditional method for this heart test, cardiac catheterization.  A cardiac cath requires a small tube to be threaded from the thigh into the arteries.  Then dye is injected to identify any blockages from plaques.

 

Coronary CTA is indicated for patients who have:

• High risk factors for heart disease, but do not have typical symptoms (especially chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue)
• Unusual symptoms of heart disease, but low risk factors
• Unclear or inconclusive stress-test results