Who Should Undergo Coronary CT Angiography?
Coronary CT angiography is a minimally invasive medical imaging technique that allows detailed visualization of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. This allows for the early detection of vascular blockages, narrowing, and other abnormalities. So, who should undergo coronary CT angiography? The answer to this question is closely related to the patient's general health, risk factors, and the physician's clinical evaluation.
Reasons for Performing Coronary CT Angiography
- Chest Pain: It is used to investigate the presence of coronary artery disease, especially in patients with chest pain (angina pectoris) that occurs with exertion and subsides with rest.
- Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath that occurs with exertion may also be a symptom of coronary artery disease.
- Suspicion of Heart Attack: It can be used to detect vascular blockages in patients at risk of having a heart attack.
- Abnormal EKG Results: If abnormalities are detected on an electrocardiogram (EKG) test, it can be used to rule out or confirm coronary artery disease.
- Post-Stent or Bypass Control: It can be used to evaluate the condition of the vessels in the follow-up of patients who have previously undergone coronary stent placement or bypass surgery.
- Family History of Heart Disease: It can be used to assess risk factors and make an early diagnosis in individuals with a family history of early-onset heart disease.
- Those with Risk Factors: It can be used to assess the risk of coronary artery disease in individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.
Who Should Not Undergo Coronary CT Angiography?
Although it is a safe method, coronary CT angiography may not be appropriate in some cases:
- Severe Kidney Failure: Since the use of contrast agents can negatively affect the kidneys, caution should be exercised in patients with severe kidney failure. Alternatively, MRI methods can be considered.
- Contrast Agent Allergy: Precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of allergic reactions in patients who are allergic to contrast agents.
- Pregnancy: It is generally not preferred in pregnant women due to radiation exposure.
- Severe Heart Failure: In patients with severe heart failure, the use of contrast agents can further strain the heart.
- Uncontrolled Hyperthyroidism: Caution should be exercised in patients with hyperthyroidism whose thyroid hormone levels are not under control.
Things to Consider Before and After Coronary CT Angiography
Before:
- Inform your doctor about the medications you are taking and your allergies.
- Drink plenty of water before the appointment day.
- If necessary, use anti-allergy medications as recommended by your doctor.
- You may need to be fasting before the CT scan, follow your doctor's instructions.
After:
- Help the contrast agent to be eliminated from the body by drinking plenty of water.
- Use the medications recommended by your doctor regularly.
- If you experience any side effects (itching, redness, shortness of breath, etc.), consult your doctor immediately.
Coronary CT Angiography and Other Imaging Methods
There are many medical imaging methods used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. EKG, stress test, echocardiography, nuclear medicine methods, and conventional angiography are some of them. Coronary CT angiography is often preferred because it is less invasive and provides detailed imaging compared to these methods.
Get Regular Check-Ups for Your Health
It is important to have regular check-up packages to protect your heart health and diagnose potential risks early. Check-ups offer a comprehensive opportunity to assess your general health and identify your risk factors. Early diagnosis increases treatment success and improves your quality of life.
Radiology Services and Coronary CT Angiography
Coronary CT angiography is performed safely and effectively in centers offering high-quality radiology services. Thanks to experienced radiologists and modern devices, accurate and reliable results are obtained. Centers specializing in cardiac imaging, in particular, play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease.
Conclusion
Coronary CT angiography is an important tool in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease. You can determine whether this method is suitable for you in line with your doctor's evaluation and risk factors. Remember, early diagnosis saves lives!
