CT Coronary Angiography

CT coronary angiography is straightforward and quick. The test usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and you can go home soon after.

The test follows these steps:

1. Small sticky electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate during the test.

2. A cannula will be placed in your arm so contrast dye can be injected.

3. Beta-blockers may be administered to aid with heart rate control, and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is used to dilate the coronary vessels for better analysis. The administration of this medication will be assessed after you complete the CT cardiac safety questionnaire at your appointment.

4. The scanner takes multiple detailed X-ray images of your heart while the dye highlights your arteries

5. The results are reviewed by one of our cardiology consultants. They may use the Fat Attenuation Index (FAI)/CaRi Plaque or Heartflow analysis for more detailed results.

CaRi-Heart Technology - Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) Score

CaRi-Heart - FAI Score is a non-invasive technology developed by cardiologists at Caristo that can be applied to analyse any routine CT coronary angiography to accurately predict a patient’s risk of a heart attack years in advance. If increased levels of coronary inflammation are identified, we can provide you with a personalised prevention and management plan.

CaRi-Heart Technology - CaRi - Plaque 

CaRi-Heart - CaRi Plaque is a non-invasive technology developed by cardiologists at Caristo, which can be applied to analyse any routine CT coronary angiography to analyse and measure plaque characteristics and stenosis in the vessels.

Heartflow analysis

Heartflow is a brand-new piece of technology available for patients having a CT coronary angiogram. It offers 2 different types of analysis:

• FFRCT analysis - this is a non-invasive test that provides a personalised, colour-coded 3D model of your coronary arteries, measuring how plaque build-up may be impacting blood flow. This test provides the most accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease

• plaque analysis - this shows the amount, type, and location of plaque in your arteries. This information helps guide your personalised treatment plan. Plaque analysis can identify higher-risk plaques that do not appear on a calcium score scan and are most likely to cause a cardiac event

How Heartflow works:

1. Scan - detailed images of your heart are taken with a non-invasive coronary CT angiogram (CTCA).

2. Measure - the CTCA images undergo advanced AI processing to generate a personalised, 3D model of your arteries. Your report will analyse any blockages and how they are impacting blood flow.

3. Act - with all the information in hand, you and your consultant can make an informed choice on the best treatment pathway for you.

As an X-ray procedure, this test involves exposure to ionising radiation however, all our equipment and protocols are in place to try to use the lowest amount of radiation possible to get a high-quality diagnostic image. A contrast dye may also be used, which can affect kidney function and, in rare cases, cause an allergic reaction. 

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to discuss this with your consultant cardiologist before being booked in for this test. 

To make sure the scan is as accurate as possible:

• avoid caffeine and nicotine for 24 hours before the scan

• fast (do not eat food) for 3 to 4 hours before your appointment, but please keep very well hydrated

• continue most medications – your consultant will let you know if you need to pause any

You can usually go home and return to normal activities straight after the scan; however, if you have received beta blockers for your test, then please avoid any vigorous exercise for the following 24 hours. Drink plenty of water to help flush out the contrast dye.

Your results will be explained by your consultant, who will discuss the next steps if treatment or follow-up is needed.

Self-pay pricing starts from £1,595.00.

At Welbeck, our cardiologists/radiologists 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 CT coronary angiography, you must be referred by either your GP or cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck consultant, 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.