CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a common test using X-ray technology to take detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. It can provide useful information to doctors about the overall health of the heart and vascular system. The patient lies very still on a table that is hooked up to the CT scanner, which sends pulses through the body, taking cross-section photographs of the part of the body being examined. The pictures are viewed on a computer monitor, and can be saved and printed.

An iodine dye may be used to make structures and organs easier to see on the CT pictures. The dye may be used to check blood flow within the heart and vascular system, and can be taken intravenously or ingested orally. Typically, CT pictures will be taken before and after the dye is used, to compare pictures. The test is painless, but requires the patient to lie very still, which some may find uncomfortable. It can be completed in less than an hour.

Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA)
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is very similar to a CT scan, but the information taken from the scanner and the way the information is processed following the test focuses on the vessels or arteries rather than an organ.

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