According to the research by World Health Organization, In India, around 35,40,000 deaths occur due to cardiovascular disease. As per the report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2022, 70% of deaths occurred due to heart attacks in people 30 years to 60 years of age group. In this way, cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death for both males and females. To detect cardiovascular diseases, the cardiologists use various tests such as ECG, Stress Echo, Stress Thallium, TMT, Holter Monitoring etc. to detect cardiovascular disease, evaluate the the severity of the problem and predict the risks of heart attack and death.
But now Cardiac CT (Computed Tomography) or CT coronary angiography is the most
commonly used by doctors to identify fatal heart disease, and preventing the heart attack before it strikes even in patients who are not at high risk of heart disease.
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease means a variety of heart-related conditions. Coronary artery disease (CAD) which is also known as coronary heart disease, is one of the most common types of cardiovascular disease. CAD occurs when cholesterol and fatty deposits accumulate in the wall of arteries that supply blood to the heart. The build-up of plaque makes the arteries narrow or block and prevents the blood from reaching the heart. The narrowing or blocked arteries increase the risk of a heart attack.
It is true, many people with coronary artery disease don?t even realize they are suffering from cardiac health issues until and unless they experience the symptoms. It is also true that a heart attack is an indication of coronary artery disease.
Risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD)
Various factors increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Some of the factors are:
? High cholesterol levels
? High blood pressure
? Family history of heart problems or coronary artery disease
? Obesity
? Diabetes
? Lifestyle
? Smoking
? Age etc.
It is fact that not only people with these factors are at a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease but also people with low-risk factors are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease.
What heart-related disease can be diagnosed with CT Coronary Angiography?
To identify heart-related issues and predict the risk of developing heart disease, doctors recommend various kinds of blood and imaging methods. CT coronary angiography is one of the widely used imaging procedures to diagnose the conditions such as CAD and other cardiovascular issues that occur due to problems in the coronary arteries.
Some of the problems that can be diagnosed with CT coronary angiography are mentioned below:
- Coronary Arteries Disease (CAD):?- It is a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels because of the building up of plaque in arteries.
- Aneurysms: -?It is an irregular expansion or enlargement of the blood vessels.
- Atherosclerosis: – Development of the fatty plaques inside the blood vessels.
- Pulmonary Embolism: -?A blood clot that prevents the blood flow to the lung’s arteries.
How to prepare for CT Coronary Angiography?
- You may ask to stop some specific medicine on a temporary basis before the procedure
- Fasting of a minimum of 4 hours required
- You need to avoid taking caffeine-containing products within 12 hours of the procedure.
How does CT Coronary Angiography work?
The CT coronary angiogram imaging method uses a strong x-ray machine for producing a picture of the heart and the blood vessels. It helps the doctor in viewing the coronary arteries that supply the blood to the heart for detection of the problem. To highlight the blood vessels and tissues, the CT technician injects contrast dye.
- The CT Coronary Angiogram is performed in the radiology department in the diagnostic centers. Here we will discuss step by step procedure of CT coronary angiography.
- Before undergoing the procedure, CT Technician may give you Beta Blocker medicine to slow the heart rate to get clear pictures.
- During the procedure, the technician will give you numbing medication, and start an IV into the hand or arm to inject the contrast media.
- For the procedure, you will be instructed to lie still on the table and the technician will place electrodes on your chest to record the heart rate.
- During the scanning, you need to remain still and may instruct to hold your breath because the movement can make the images blurry.
- Technician will remain in another room to operate the CT machine and will instruct you through the intercom. During the scanning procedure, if you experience any problem, you can communicate with the technician through the intercom.
- Although the entire process of the test may take up to an hour.
Associated Risks
There is no doubt that Computed Tomography (CT) coronary angiography is a highly safe procedure but there are a few risks associated with the procedure such as
- You may experience an allergic reaction due to contrast media.
- If you have a kidney problem, then there is a chance of injury to the kidney due to contrast media.
Cost of CT Coronary Angiography
The cost of CT Coronary Angiography varies from INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 in different cities in India depending on multiple factors. But the market price of CT Coronary Angiography in Delhi is between INR 15,000 to INR 16,000.
Conclusion
A CT coronary angiography is an imaging methodology to look at the blood vessels and tissues for diagnosis and detection of the problems associated with the coronary arteries. The early detection of the problems with your blood vessels can prevent a heart attack from striking. Also you can visit any nearby ct scan centre for Coronary Angiography.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
