Cardiac coronary computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging test that is used to visualize the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. It is used to diagnose coronary artery disease, which is a condition in which the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by plaque deposits.

Cardiac CT is typically used when a patient is experiencing symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or when a patient has other risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. It can also be used to assess the severity of coronary artery disease in patients who have already been diagnosed with the condition.

Cardiac CT is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is asked to lie on a table that slides into a CT scanner, which is a large machine that uses x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The patient may be given a contrast agent, which is a dye that helps to highlight the coronary arteries on the images.

There are some risks associated with cardiac CT, including the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast agent, the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, and the risk of kidney damage in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.

A good candidate for a cardiac CT study is a patient who is experiencing symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease or who has other risk factors for the condition. It is generally not recommended for patients who are pregnant or who have severe kidney disease.

According to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiac CT can be a useful tool for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in certain situations (1). It can identify the presence and location of plaque deposits in the coronary arteries, as well as the extent of coronary artery narrowing or blockages. It can also help to exclude other potential causes of symptoms, such as aortic stenosis or pulmonary embolism.

The frequency with which cardiac CT is performed will depend on the individual patient’s clinical circumstances and needs. It is typically ordered by a physician, such as a cardiologist or primary care doctor, and the results are usually interpreted by a radiologist or a cardiologist.

References:

  1. American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA). (2019). ACC/AHA clinical performance and quality measures for adults with stable ischemic heart disease: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 74(7), 921-947.