CT Coronary Angiography: Purpose, Procedure, Report & Price [2024]
CT Coronary Angiography (CCTA) examines the blockage and abnormalities in the blood supplying arteries of the heart. It may diagnose the cause of chest pain or other symptoms. Its full form is Coronary (heart-related) computed tomography (CT) angiography. It is a non-invasive and painless CT Scan which takes less than 30 minutes. Its price in India ranges from Rs 9000 to Rs 15000.
This technique uses a powerful X-ray machine to produce images of the heart and blood vessels. The procedure does not involve cuts as well as incisions and doesn’t require recovery time. It consists of injecting iodine-based contrast liquid and CT scanning to check the arteries supplying blood to the heart and determine whether they have been narrowed. The final result images can be converted into 3D (three-dimensional) images viewed on a monitor/electronic media/printout. A Doctor can recommend it for
- Blockage in arteries supplying blood to the heart
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Family history of heart disease
Test details in Brief
| Also known as | Angiography heart, CT Coronary Angiogram, CT Scan heart. |
| Purpose | For identifying blockages or abnormalities in blood vessels connected with the heart. |
| Preparation | Avoid smoking and drinking. |
| Fasting | 4 hours of Fasting is required. |
| Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours. |
| Cost | Rs 9000 to Rs Rs 15000 |
CT Coronary Angiography Cost
CT Coronary angiography requires a multi-slice CT Scan machine with a minimum of 64 slices, a cardiologist and the latest software. Very few diagnostic centres satisfy these conditions, thus this test has limited availability. Therefore, it is comparatively an expensive test. CT Coronary angiography test cost ranges from Rs 9000 to Rs 15000 in India.
However, the actual cost would depend on Hospital or diagnostic centre, CT scan machine quality and city.
Prices at Popular Diagnostic Centres or Hospitals
The table below list the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres in India.
| Diagnostic Centre | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| City X-ray | Rs 12000 |
| Janta X-ray | Rs 7700 |
| Apollo Hospital | Rs 14000 Onwards |
| Max Hospital | Rs 13500 Onwards |
| Mahajan imaging | Rs 13950 |
| Fortis Hospital | Rs 15000 Onwards |
| Manipal Hospital | Rs 15000 |
City-wise Prices
Prices tend to vary from one city to another. Usually, metro cities have higher prices, whereas tier 2 or tier 3 cities have lower prices. You can click on the city name to get the list of ultrasound centres with their prices and discount for CT coronary angiography.
| City | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| CT Coronary angiography test cost in Delhi | Rs 7700 to 13950 |
| CT Coronary angiography test cost in Hyderabad | Rs 10480 |
| CT Coronary angiography test cost in Mumbai | Rs 8400 to Rs 9000 |
| Mumbai | Rs 12000 Onwards |
| Bangalore | Rs 11500 Onwards |
| Kolkata | Rs 9500 Onwards |
| Chennai | Rs 10000 Onwards |
CT Coronary Angiography procedure
Below is the stepwise procedure of how CT coronary angiography is done. It is preferable to do this test on a 128 or higher slice CT scanner. 64 Slice is the minimum requirement.
- The doctor will give some substance to relax (dilate) your coronary arteries. The patient needs to wait for some time after getting injected.
- A contrast dye will be injected via IV (Intravenous) through the arm or hand. The dye flows through this IV.
- The sticky patch electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heart rate.
- The technician will ask you to lie down on the CT scanner table, and the table will slide inside the doughnut shape scanner machine.
- The machine will take the images, which takes less than 2 minutes.
- During the scanning, you have to hold your breath and stay still as movement can blur the images.
After completing the procedure, the result in the form of an angiogram would be given to the patients.
Preparation for CT Coronary Angiography
As it is a quick, non-invasive and painless process, the test does not require any elaborate preparation. However, you should take care of the following before the test.
- A person shall avoid eating anything for about four hours before the test. However, a person can take water.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee 12 hours before the test because they can increase your heartbeat, which can make it difficult to get clear pictures of your heart.
- The patients shall tell their doctor about the medications that they take. The doctor may suggest temporarily stopping medication prior to the testing.
- If a patient is allergic to contrast dye, then the doctor might suggest taking steroid medication 12 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of a reaction.
- A person is required to change their personal clothes and wear a hospital gown. The patient shall also remove glasses, jewellery and fashion accessories.
Purpose of CT Coronary Angiography:
Due to its importance in identifying heart disease early, a preventive full body checkup can also include coronary angiography. Your doctor may recommend the test under the following conditions.
- To figure out the cholesterol plaques and defects in the anatomy of the coronary arteries.
- Low to moderate risk of chest pain in emergency situations of the patient.
- Unclear or inconclusive treadmill test results.
- If a patient went through a recent heart failure that caused reduced heart function.
- To determine the condition of post-coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG).
Risks associated with CT coronary angiography?
Generally, it is a risk-free test. The instances of severe reactions to contrast dye material are rare, but some possible risks are:
- Allergic reaction to the X-ray dye (tell your doctor if you have a sensitivity towards allergies)
- Kidney problems as a consequence of the X-ray dye (in patients with kidney problems history).
- Migraine or headaches can arise from the medication given during the procedure.
CT Angiography vs Angiography: Which is better?
Conventional coronary angiography is an invasive procedure which requires hospital admission. Some of the important differences are between a conventional and CT angiography are:
| CT coronary angiography | Conventional Coronary Angiography |
|---|---|
| It is comparatively safer. | It has a higher risk (Blood loss, infection etc.) |
| It is not Invasive. | It is invasive. The doctor will make an incision |
| The patient can resume normal activity after 4 hours | Recovery time of up to 72 hours (3-4 Days) |
| No risk of death and stroke. | Risk of death and stroke. |
| Cost-effective (Rs 9000 Onwards) | Expensive (Cost more than Rs 30000) |
Calcium Score and CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) risk?
A calcium score is a numerical value indicating the calcium plaques deposited in coronary arteries. The calcium score presence increases the risk of coronary artery disease. The reason for this enhanced risk is that calcium plaques restrict the normal flexibility and movement of the coronary arteries.
Measures of reducing the Calcium Score.
There are the following ways of controlling your calcium score.
- Regular Exercise: Regular exercise burns the cholesterol and fats from the human body. An active life can prevent the formation of calcium plaques in the body.
- Limit the sodium intake: Sodium uptake increase the calcium accumulation and it eventually increases the blood pressure. People shall not eat fast foods because they contain high sodium level ingredients.
- Eat Green vegetables: Consumption of green vegetables inhibits the calcium accumulation in the arteries.
What are the other tests for coronary artery disease?
There are also other types of coronary artery disease tests:
- Electrocardiogram: It is the graphical representation of the heart rhythm. It gives an idea about the electrical activity of the heart too.
- Echocardiogram: This technique is the ultrasound scanning of the heart. It is a painless and convenient technique with no blood loss. The Elecro cardiogram shows the abnormalities and defects in the heart in the form of a picture of the heart.
- Stress tests: It involves running on a treadmill and finding the heart’s health. After running, the doctor asks the patient to lay on the bed, and the results are analyzed further.
- Cardiac catheterization is a method of careful insertion of a catheter into a blood vessel for visualization and diagnosis of clogged arteries. The catheter is a thin and flexible tube. The expert injects a contrast dye into the blood vessel for visualization.
CT Coronary Angiography Result
If the coronary angiogram report is found normal, it signifies that there is no need to worry and
- There is no abnormality detected in the coronary arteries of the patient.
- The heart is fit and able to perform in a healthy manner.
- No blockages or obstructions are observed.
- The structure of the heart is normal and contains no anatomical defect.
If the report of the coronary angiogram is abnormal, then it might indicate:
- Some blockages or constrictions in the blood vessels or arteries.
- Atherosclerosis (deposition of fatty material in the cavity of arteries) or plaque formation in the artery or heart.
- Reduction in the supply of blood flow in the arteries.
- Decreased blood supply to the heart and different surrounding blood vessels.
- Any form of structural defect in the heart(congenital diseases).
Normal test range of Calcium score in Coronary Artery Disease(CAD)
| Calcium Score | Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) presence |
|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | Minimal risk of Coronary Artery Disease. |
| 11 to 100 | Mild presence of calcium plaques. |
| 101 to 400 | Moderate level of calcium plaques. |
| more than 400 | High risk of Coronary Artery Disease. |
Accuracy of the Result:
Every test has its limitations as per their no. of slices. 128 slices of CT Coronary Angiography provide more extensive coverage and shorter scanning time periods. This test also gives excellent image quality as compared to other tests. That does not mean that all other tests are inaccurate.
Sample Report
Below is a sample report of CT Coronary angiography from one of our partner diagnostic centres.
Bookmerilab provides CT Coronary angiography in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.
Frequently Asked Questions
The patient asked to lie flat on the back. In some cases, pillows or straps may be used to keep the area being examined from moving during the scan.
Plaque is an accumulated mass of various substances such as cholesterol, fat and calcium that deposit along the inner walls of the arteries. Plaque, which builds up over time, in some cases completely blocks blood flow.
The coronary CT calcium scan is a radiology based method of identifying calcium plaques in the inner cavity of coronary arteries. These calcium plaques get accumulate in the coronary arteries of the heart.
64 Slice CT Angiography is a non-invasive procedure. It detects minute and smallest blockages in the coronary arteries. It also determines the conditions of the stents(a tiny tube inserted into the artery), and the Coronary artery bypasses surgery grafts(CABG) of patients’.
No. The creatinine levels must be known before the invasive coronary angiography and not in CT Coronary angiography.
How to Book CT Coronary Angiography
References:
- https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/angiocoroct
- https://www.fortishealthcare.com/india/key-medical-procedures/ct-coronary-angiogram-152
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2200963
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262000/
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.
November 29, 2022 @ 4:03 pm
I want to get the CT Angiogram done in Kolkata. Doctor simply prescribed for Angiogram
November 29, 2022 @ 4:08 pm
it is CT coronery Anjiography