Coronary CT Angiography (CT Angiogram)

Name: Coronary CT Angiography (CT Angiogram)
Brand: Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions
Rating: 4.3 (22 reviews)

Quick answer

A coronary CT angiogram is a scan that looks inside the arteries feeding your heart. You get an injection of contrast dye and the scanner takes detailed pictures from outside your body. It shows where plaque has built up and how much each artery has narrowed. Nothing is threaded into your arteries. If it finds a blockage that needs fixing, the next step is a standard angiogram.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive test that evaluates coronary artery health. These arteries supply blood to the heart. Using advanced CT technology and contrast dye, CCTA offers detailed images revealing blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities that may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart attacks.

What Is a CT Angiogram?

Coronary CT angiography is the use of computed tomography angiography to assess the coronary arteries of the heart. This is a non-invasive test which tells the percentage of narrowing of the coronary artery and calcification of plaque. In order to fix those blockages will require routine coronary angiography.

How Does Coronary CT Angiography Work?

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) uses an injection of iodine-containing contrast material and CT scanning to examine the arteries that supply blood to the heart and determine whether they have been narrowed. The images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted to create three-dimensional (3D) images that may be viewed on a monitor, printed on film or by a 3D printer, or transferred to electronic media.

Who Should Consider Coronary CT Angiography?

You may be a good candidate for a CT coronary angiogram if you fall into one of the following categories:

High-Risk Groups for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Individuals with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, smokers, or those with a sedentary lifestyle often have an intermediate risk or high risk of developing blocked arteries. A CT angiogram with contrast can help detect issues early.
Patients with Chest Pain or Suspected CAD: If you’re experiencing chest discomfort, chest pain, or other symptoms of coronary artery disease, a cardiac CT scan can provide clear images of the heart arteries and reveal if blood flow is restricted.
Abnormal Stress Test Results: If your stress test showed abnormal results, CCTA can offer a more detailed, anatomical look at your coronary arteries to confirm or rule out coronary artery disease.
Pre-Operative Heart Risk Assessments: Before undergoing major surgery, some patients require a cardiac risk evaluation. CT angiography provides a safe and efficient way to assess coronary artery status and avoid complications.
Asymptomatic Patients with Intermediate Risk: Even asymptomatic patients with an intermediate probability of CAD may benefit from cardiac computed tomography angiography, especially if other diagnostic tools are inconclusive.

Who Shouldn’t Get a CT Angiogram?

While CT angiography is a highly effective diagnostic test, it’s not suitable for everyone. The use of iodinated contrast dye, radiation exposure, and specific patient factors may limit who can safely undergo the test.

Here are groups for whom coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) may not be appropriate:

Pregnant Women: The radiation dose involved in a CT examination may pose a risk to the developing fetus, so the test is usually avoided during pregnancy.
People with Severe Kidney Disease: Individuals with impaired kidney function are at higher risk of kidney damage from the contrast dye used during the scan. Alternatives should be considered for those with advanced kidney problems.
Patients with a Contrast Dye Allergy: Those who have experienced an allergic reaction to iodinated contrast material used in CT angiograms should inform their doctor. Pre-medication protocols or alternative tests may be needed.
Severe Heart Conditions: Patients with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, very high heart rates, or other cardiac cycle abnormalities may not achieve optimal image quality from a cardiac CT scan.
Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Very elevated blood pressure may interfere with the test or increase risks during the CT Angiography test.
Individuals with Very High BMI (Obesity): In some cases, patients with extreme obesity may not fit comfortably into the CT scanner, affecting test accuracy and safety.
Breastfeeding Women: While typically safe, some doctors may recommend that breastfeeding mothers pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours after the test to reduce potential exposure to contrast agents.

How to Prepare for Coronary CT Angiography

At your scheduled appointment at our outpatient imaging facility or radiology department, the care team will walk you through everything. Here’s how to get ready:

Pre-Scan Instructions: You’ll likely be asked to fast for 4–6 hours before your CT coronary angiogram. Avoid caffeine and smoking on the day of your scan, as they can elevate your heart rate and affect image quality.
Medication Adjustments: Some patients, especially those with atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure, may be given beta-blockers to help slow the heart. Sublingual nitroglycerin may be administered before scanning to dilate the coronary arteries for clearer images.
Clothing and Positioning: You’ll wear a hospital gown and lie flat on the scanning table. Your arms may be positioned above your head during the scan.
Ensuring Comfort and Safety: Our modern CT scanners are designed for comfort, and your vitals are closely monitored throughout the procedure to keep you safe.

What to Expect During and After a Coronary CT Angiogram

On the day of the procedure, arrive fasting and avoid caffeine, as both can affect your heart rate and scan clarity. At the outpatient imaging facility, a technologist will provide you with a hospital gown and insert a small IV line for contrast dye. This iodinated dye is essential for highlighting blood vessels and assessing your heart’s blood supply to the body.

During the actual scan, which takes just a few seconds, you will lie flat on a motorized table that slides into a CT scanner. Although the total cardiac CT scan time may range between 10 to 20 minutes, most of that is for preparation and positioning. The CT scanner itself is relatively quiet, though you may hear soft mechanical noises.

When the contrast dye is injected, you may feel a warm sensation or a metallic taste. The technician will monitor your heart rate, breathing, and R-R interval to time the scan with your cardiac cycle for optimal image quality. You might need to hold your breath briefly for clearer heart artery images. The care team will prioritize your comfort and safety, using modern CT scanners that minimize radiation exposure while ensuring high resolution.

After the CT angiogram with contrast, you’ll be allowed to rest briefly and then return to your usual activities. It is important to drink plenty of water after the CT examination to help flush the contrast dye from your system, especially if you have kidney problems or are at risk for kidney disease.

While adverse effects are rare, some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea or a light rash. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to contrast dye in the past, let your provider know beforehand. A board-certified radiologist or cardiologist will carefully review your coronary computed tomographic angiography images and contact you with the test results.

These findings reveal conditions like congenital heart disease, early atherosclerosis, or other issues related to chest pain in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Your care team will use your coronary CTA results to decide on further evaluation, lifestyle changes, or treatments like invasive coronary angiography or cardiac catheterization.

What our patients say

4.3 Based on 22 Google reviews

Michael Prae

A little blonde Russian woman named Natasha asked me to post about her renal procedure. It was done by Dr. Khorsandi at CACVI. They took absolutely amazing care of her and went above and beyond to treat her terribly high blood pressure. They lasered her renal artery. After the procedure it wouldn’t stop bleeding so they ended up staying w her at the center until 9pm. That’s when they finally had to call the ambulance to move her to E.R. All of the staff were incredibly professional and their care was second to none. Dr. Lala promised her that her high blood pressure would go away. It has and now she’s throwing out all her old med’s just like Lala promised. This group of Doctors is like no other. If you have any of these cardiac issues then you’ve found your saving grace. No need to look any further. They were incredibly patient and helpful in every medical way possible. Natasha has found a new way of living. Without her terrible pounding migraines she had on a daily basis. 5 stars all the way. They deserve all the praise possible. They provided a miracle. Thank you Dr’s Lala & Khorsandi.

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Nick Derian

On behalf of my father, a patient of CACVI, I wanted to acknowledge and praise the entire team of this organization for its outstanding surgical expertise and knowledgeable/warm supporting staff. We had gone through countless recommendations that all claimed there was only one last option for treatment, amputation. That news is devastating for anyone to hear, and resulted in my father having little faith that the quality of his life would ever be the same... All that changed the moment we had our first interaction with this organization. The care, knowledge, and most importantly hope that there was still options if we acted fast was single moment that turned this entire nightmare around. Thank you CACVI for being the single most important piece to solving my father's health crisis. Dont think twice, make the appointment and atleast go meet and see them-- for us it was the moment that changed the trajectory of our situation forever for the better.

a month ago Tarzana Read on Google

Matt Golad

I’m 41 years old, and I have something called May-Thurner’s Syndrome. However, it wasn’t until I saw Dr. Vasim Lala a couple years ago that I was diagnosed with it. May-Thurner’s syndrome is when the main veins that split off into your legs is compressed by the main arteries that split off into your legs. The result is that the blood that should be coming back up through the leg veins pools at your ankles. My whole life until I was diagnosed, I was lethargic. My legs felt heavy. I started to develop purple bruising around my ankles in my twenties. I started to get varicose veins on my calves. I thought this was normal. I was living on “hard mode” and didn’t know it. If I was on my feet for extended periods of time, my legs would swell a lot. I thought maybe I need to lose some weight. When I started teaching a few years ago, I would be on my feet 6-8 hours a day. One day, I got home, and my left leg was so swollen my wife was concerned I had a blood clot. I went to the emergency room, and thankfully it was just superficial. I temporarily went on blood thinners and was recommended to see Dr. Lala. He changed my life. I’d shown my purpling ankles to GP’s. They’d seen my varicose veins. But none if them put all the signs together until I saw Dr. Lala. He diagnosed me with May-Thurner’s syndrome and recommend we put stents in my veins to prevent them from being compressed by the arteries. So we did the surgeries. Out patient procedures. My legs stopped swelling a lot. I started wearing compression socks. I had to be on blood thinners for a year, but eventually I was able to stop taking them which was great. But I still had varicose veins in my legs because they had widened from the blood pooling in them for years. I’ve had two ablations per leg since them, which closes the affected veins, and I’ve got a new lease on life. My legs feel lighter. They don’t swell nearly as much. The varicose veins have disappeared. Now, I’m lighter on my feet. I’m not lethargic. There’s a pep in my step. I have one more ablation each being scheduled. I’m thankful for Dr. Lala and his incredible team at CACVI for their diagnosis and treatment. It truly changed my life.

4 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

PAK SHIP ALL

On August 27, 2025, I had my leg Angio done with Dr. K. who is best of the best. Amazing Doctor and extremely knowledgeable. The nurse who helped me, JULIAN she has a very kind heart. She has a lot of knowledge and made me feel extremely relaxed. She went above and beyond her responsibilities. It seems God made her to be kind and caring for all the patients. I salute her and look forward to having same nurse for procedure in my other leg. I came home with a big Smile. Thank you Thank you Thank you

10 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

Potential Risks in Coronary CT Angiography

Although coronary CT angiography is a safe and non-invasive imaging test used to evaluate the coronary arteries and assess conditions like coronary artery disease, it’s important to be aware of some potential risks associated with the procedure. One of the primary concerns is radiation exposure, though it is generally minimal, especially with modern CT scanners that use advanced technology to reduce the radiation dose while maintaining high image quality. Compared to traditional invasive coronary angiography, the radiation dose from a coronary CT angiogram is significantly lower, making it a preferred diagnostic test for many patients.

Another consideration is the use of contrast dye, an iodinated substance injected intravenously to enhance the visibility of blood vessels and blood flow within the heart arteries. While this contrast is crucial for the diagnostic accuracy of the scan, a small number of individuals may experience allergic reactions, ranging from mild symptoms like itching or rash to, in very rare cases, more serious responses. Patients with a known allergy to contrast dye should inform their healthcare provider in advance, as premedication can be given to minimize the risk.

Kidney function is also taken into account when planning a cardiac CT angiography, especially in patients with preexisting kidney disease or impaired renal function. The contrast dye can sometimes affect kidney performance, so kidney function tests are typically conducted beforehand to assess any potential risk. Adequate hydration before and after the CT angiography test helps reduce this risk, and in some cases, alternative imaging methods may be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CT Angio Painful?

No, a CT angiogram is not painful. You may feel a slight pinch from the IV insertion and a brief warm sensation when the contrast dye is injected.

How Long Does a CT Coronary Angiography Take?

The entire appointment typically lasts 20 to 60 minutes, but the actual scan takes only a few seconds to complete.

Do They Put You to Sleep for a CT Angiogram?

No, general anesthesia is not required. You’ll be awake and asked to lie still and hold your breath briefly during the scan.

How Much Does a CT Coronary Angiogram Cost?

The cost varies depending on location and insurance coverage, but it generally ranges from $500 to $2,000. Contact your provider or imaging facility for an exact quote.

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Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists

The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.