CTA Coronary Angiogram with Contrast
Preparation for a Coronary CT Angiogram
- Oral betablocker (metoprolol) 50 mg 1 hour prior to the exam. If currently on a betablocker please speak to your physician for dose modification. Please bring your medication bottle with you to the exam so we can confirm the dosage of medication given to you.
- No nicotine, caffeine or alcohol for 12 hours prior to the exam.
- Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam.
- No exercise or cardiac stress exams on the day of the exam.
- No Erectile Dysfunction medications (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis) 48 hours prior to and 48 hours post exam.
- Please take required medications with a small amount of water if necessary.
What to expect during the exam
- EKG leads will be placed on your chest and your heart rate with be monitored. In addition your blood pressure will be checked.
- Prior to the examination, one of our certified CT technologists or nursing staff will start an intravenous line to administer contrast (what is intravenous contrast).
- You may be given additional intravenous beta-blocker to achieve an optimal heart rate.
- Just prior to the study you will be given sublingual nitroglycerin.
What to expect after the exam
- You will be monitored (blood pressure and heart rate) for at least 30 minutes after the examination before being discharged.
- You may have a headache from the nitroglycerin.
