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Cardiology Services | Taranaki
Public Service, Cardiology
Computer Tomography (CT) Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
CTCA is a CT scan of the arteries of the heart. By injecting contrast dye into a line in your arm, the scan can provide high definition, 3 dimensional images of your arteries. It is one of the best ways to detect signs of coronary atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) from plaques developing in the walls of the artery. Coronary atherosclerosis may cause angina or a heart attack.
For this test you will require an IV line in a vein of your arm. Your heart rate will need to be less than 60 beats per minute so good images can be obtained. You may require a medication to reduce your heart rate if necessary or a medication that makes the arteries expand so the arteries are more easily seen.
Outpatient CTCA appointments can take up to 4 hours. The actual scanning time is only 5 minutes, but the preparation and recovery period can take time. CTCA scans are undertaken at the Te Whatu Ora, Taranaki New Plymouth Hospital site only and are carried out by the Radiology Department.
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This page was last updated at 2:44PM on September 26, 2023.