Who is the ideal candidate for coronary CT angiography?
- Symptomatic patients with a low to intermediate probability of obstructive CAD
- Patients over 40 with atypical chest pain and equivocal stress test findings
- Patients who are at a high risk of undergoing cardiac catheterization
Why order coronary CT angiography? To rule out obstructive coronary artery disease in an intermediate-risk patient Sensitivity and specificity in detecting obstructive CAD is superior to any other noninvasive testing Only test that can non-invasively define both calcified and non-calcified plaque Excellent ability to assess complex, anomalous and bypass-graft anatomy In 10 minutes your patient can have a calcium score and complete evaluation of the coronary arteries Outpatient prep is simple: Oral beta blocker (50-100 mg metoprolol) taken one hour before test No caffeine or stimulants Goal heart rate = 65 or below
Talk to your cardiologist about coronary CT angiography. If you are a referring physician, call 410-502-0550 to schedule coronary CT angiography today.
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