CaRi-Plaque® Scan Analysis

CaRi-Plaque analysis is non-invasive and uses images from a CTCA to provide an actionable report. 

In most cases, the CTCA scan is done first, then the images are sent securely for specialist analysis. CaRi-Plaque analysis can be done on new and old CTCA scans. 

A CTCA is not the same as an invasive coronary angiogram. You do not need a tube passed into an artery near your groin or wrist. Instead, you lie on a CT scanner bed while the scanner takes detailed images of your heart and blood vessels.

Your appointment may involve the following steps:

1. Your clinical team will check your details, medical history, and any allergies.

2. You may have your heart rate and blood pressure checked.

3. A small cannula will be placed into a vein, usually in your arm.

4. Contrast dye will be injected through the cannula to help show the coronary arteries clearly.

5. You may be given medicine to slow your heart rate or widen the blood vessels, if appropriate.

6. You’ll lie still while the CT scanner takes the images.

7. The images will then be reviewed and analysed.

The scan itself is usually quick. You may feel warm when the contrast dye is injected, and some people notice a metallic taste in their mouth. These sensations usually pass within a few minutes.

After the scan, the CaRi-Plaque software analyses the images. Trained specialists review the outputs and create a report for your referring clinician. Your consultant will then explain the results and what they mean for you.

Your consultant may recommend CaRi-Plaque analysis if they want more detail about plaque in your coronary arteries.

It may be helpful if:

• you have chest pain, and your consultant wants to assess for coronary artery disease

• you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a strong family history

• a CTCA has shown plaque, and your consultant wants more detailed information

• your consultant wants to understand whether plaque is calcified, non-calcified, or low-density

• you need a clearer risk assessment to guide prevention or treatment decisions

CaRi-Plaque is not an emergency test. If you have sudden chest pain, chest tightness, pain spreading to your arm, jaw, back, or stomach, shortness of breath, sweating, or feel faint, call 999 or go to A&E.

CaRi-Plaque analysis itself does not add extra physical risk because it analyses CT scan images that have already been taken. The risks are linked to the CTCA.

Your clinical team will check your medical history before the scan to reduce these risks. Please tell us if you have kidney problems, asthma, allergies, diabetes, an irregular heartbeat, or if you may be pregnant.

If you’re having CTCA, your consultant or imaging team will give you clear instructions before your appointment. These may vary depending on your health, medication, and the type of scan you’re having.

You may be asked to:

• avoid caffeine before the scan, as it can increase your heart rate

• avoid eating for a short period before your appointment

• drink water before and after the scan, unless you’ve been told to restrict fluids

• bring a list of your medicines

• tell the team if you take metformin, blood pressure medicines, or medicines for erectile dysfunction

• tell the team if you have allergies or have reacted to contrast dye before

• have a blood test to check kidney function before contrast dye is used

• avoid wearing metal jewellery around your chest

• bring previous heart scan results, if you have them

Do not stop taking prescribed medicine unless your consultant or clinical team tells you to. If any changes are needed, we’ll explain this clearly before your appointment.

There’s usually no recovery time after a CTCA. Most people can return to normal activities shortly after the scan.

You may be asked to stay for a short time after the scan so the team can check that you feel well. If you were given medicine to slow your heart rate or widen your blood vessels, you may feel light-headed for a short while.

After your appointment:

• drink fluids as advised to help flush the contrast dye from your body

• you can usually eat and drink as normal

• you can usually return to work the same day

• avoid driving until you feel fully well, especially if you feel dizzy

• contact the clinic if you develop a rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or feel unwell after leaving

Your consultant will review your results and explain what they mean. Depending on the findings, they may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, further testing, or a follow-up cardiology appointment.

Your CaRi-Plaque report can help your consultant understand how much plaque is present and what type it is. This matters because not all plaque looks or behaves in the same way.

Calcified plaque is harder and contains calcium. Non-calcified plaque is softer and may not always be seen as clearly on simpler tests. Low-density non-calcified plaque can be important because it may be linked with higher-risk artery changes.

Your report may include:

• maximum stenosis

• total plaque volume

• calcified plaque volume

• non-calcified plaque volume

• low-density non-calcified plaque volume

• overall plaque burden

• information on individual coronary vessels

These results help your consultant build a fuller picture of your heart health. They will always interpret the report alongside your symptoms, medical history, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, and other test results.

Please contact the centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a CaRi-Plaque analysis, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.