Cardiac Imaging Services

Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) Instructions

What to expect when having a coronary CTA

Before the Study

Please follow these instructions in preparation for your exam:

• Do not take any erectile dysfunction drugs for 24 hours prior to the study.
• Do not consume any form of caffeine 12 hours prior to the study.
• Do not eat any solid food 4 hours prior to the study.
• Drink two 8 ounce glasses of water 1 hour before the study.
• Take 100 mg of Metoprolol (Lopressor) orally, if provided, 1 hour prior to the study.

During the Study

• You will have intravenous contrast (x-ray dye) for this study. A needle will be placed in your right or left arm, around the inner elbow area.
• You will have a 3-lead EKG attached to your chest to monitor your heart rate.
• You may have oxygen, via an oxygen tube under your nose, to help you "breath-hold" during the study.
• You may receive one tablet of nitroglycerine under your tongue during your exam. This may give you a head ache.

After the Study

• The radiologist will evaluate your study and issue a report to your doctor.
• You may request a time to go over your study with the radiologist at a future time.
• Be sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids after the study.