Cardiac CT Angiogram
West Midlands
Advanced heart and blood vessel imaging
Cardiac CT Angiography, is an advanced, non-invasive investigation that provides detailed images of the blood vessels that supply your heart. This test is used to assess whether there are any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in the coronary arteries, which are crucial for delivering oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.
The Cardiac CT Angiogram is an essential tool for diagnosing conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluating your overall heart health.
What is a Cardiac CT Angiogram?
A Cardiac CT Angiogram is a specialised imaging test that uses computed tomography (CT) technology and a special contrast dye to create detailed, 3D images of your heart and its blood vessels. The test helps detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries that could lead to heart disease, heart attacks, or other cardiovascular issues.
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, as well as those with risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease. It is also an excellent tool for evaluating patients who may not yet have symptoms but are at risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Cost
- Cardiac CT angiogram
( +/- Calcium score) £1225
Why is a Cardiac CT Angiogram important?
- Detecting coronary artery disease: The primary use of a Cardiac CT Angiogram is to check for blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. If blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted by plaque buildup, this can lead to conditions such as angina (chest pain) or, in more severe cases, a heart attack. The CT angiogram helps identify these issues early, allowing for prompt treatment.
- Assessing heart health: The Cardiac CT Angiogram provides a clear view of your heart’s structure and the condition of its blood vessels, enabling Dr Ibrar Ahmed to evaluate overall heart function. The test can help identify other structural abnormalities, such as aneurysms, and assess the effectiveness of previously placed stents or bypass grafts.
- Guiding treatment plans: If blockages or narrowing are detected, the information obtained from the CT Angiogram helps guide treatment decisions. Depending on the severity of the issue, Dr Ahmed may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or further interventions such as angioplasty or bypass surgery. The detailed imaging ensures that the most effective treatment options are chosen.
Coronary calcium scoring: an additional assessment
During a Cardiac CT Angiogram, we can also additionally perform a Coronary Calcium Score, which measures the amount of calcium buildup in your coronary arteries. This score provides additional information about your risk for atherosclerosis—a condition where plaque (including calcium) builds up in the artery walls, narrowing the arteries and increasing your risk of heart disease.
- How coronary calcium scoring works: During the CT scan, the machine also detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The amount of calcium is then given a score. A higher score indicates more plaque buildup, suggesting a higher risk of coronary artery disease.
- Why it’s important: Even if you don’t have symptoms of heart disease, a high coronary calcium score could indicate a significant risk of future heart problems. This information helps Dr Ahmed decide whether you need further testing or early interventions to prevent serious heart issues down the road.
What the results mean for you
- Low calcium score: A low score suggests minimal plaque buildup and a lower risk of heart disease. In this case, Dr. Ahmed may recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle to keep your heart in good condition.
- High calcium score: A high score indicates a greater amount of plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease. Based on these results, Dr Ahmed may recommend additional treatments, further tests, or lifestyle changes to lower your risk and manage your heart health more effectively.
Expert cardiovascular health
At OneMedicine, your Cardiac CT Angiogram is conducted under the expert guidance of Dr Ibrar Ahmed, a cardiovascular specialist with a PhD in Cardiovascular Medicine. Dr Ahmeds in-depth knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating heart conditions ensure that your test results are carefully reviewed and interpreted with the highest level of expertise.
Get seen by Dr Ibrar Ahmed
A Cardiac CT Angiogram provides valuable insights into the health of your heart and arteries, helping detect coronary artery disease and assess your risk for heart problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and improve your long-term heart health.
Schedule your Cardiac CT Angiogram with Dr Ibrar Ahmed today and take a proactive step towards safeguarding your heart.
