PATIENT INFORMATION

Preparing for a CCTA Scan

Coronary CT Angiogram (CCTA) is a safe, non-invasive way to see your heart's arteries. This advanced heart scan shows whether your arteries have plaque buildup or blockages and whether blood flow to your heart is reduced — all without needing a catheter procedure.

DOWNLOAD THE CCTA PREPARATION (PDF)

Former NFL player reading CCTA patient instructions

Before The Test

Inform us if you have any allergies to iodinated CT contrast.
You will be prescribed two medications to pick up and take the day of the test.
- Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is used to lower your heart rate to optimize images. You will be prescribed three 50 mg tablets.
- Nitroglycerin is used to relax your blood vessels to optimize images. You can also take it if you have chest pain. You will be prescribed a bottle of twenty-five 0.4 mg tablets.
If you take erectile dysfunction medications (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil), please discontinue 48 hours prior to test. You can resume 24 hours after the test.

Day of the Test

Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the test. Water is OK.
No caffeine day of exam.
Take normally prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your provider.
Wear comfortable clothes; remove metal (necklaces, bras with underwire) in the chest area.
Take metoprolol tartrate 2 hours prior to scheduled coronary CTA exam. For heart rates 60-70 beats per minute (bpm), take 50 mg. For heart rates >70 bpm, take 100 mg. Bring the rest to your exam.
Bring nitroglycerin bottle to exam. You will be given instructions to take while in the CT scanner by the technician, no need to take prior to exam.

After the Test

You may drive yourself home and return to work.
Stay hydrated with water.

coronary ct angiogram plaque and ffr-ct analysis

Questions?

Please Contact Us:
CardioNow
19020 33rd Ave W Suite 250
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Phone: (425) 458-0707