Cardiac CT, or CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA), is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a low radiation dose CT scan with intravenous contrast to obtain detailed, high resolution images of the coronary arteries. It plays a vital role in assessing coronary artery disease in patients at low to intermediate risk, providing accurate information about plaque burden, narrowing and coronary anatomy.
At Prime Cardiology we offer high quality CTCA in collaboration with our imaging partner, Pinnacle Medical Imaging. This partnership provides seamless access to advanced cardiac imaging, integrated with expert cardiology interpretation and follow up within our practice.
CTCA is often the preferred test for stable chest pain in patients at low to intermediate risk who do not have known coronary artery disease. It is not intended for suspected heart attack or unstable symptoms, which require urgent hospital assessment. Your cardiologist will confirm whether CTCA is the right choice for you.
A small cannula is placed for contrast dye, and medication may be given to steady your heart rate for sharper images. You are asked to avoid caffeine beforehand. The scan itself takes only minutes, and we confirm your exact preparation when you book. Because the images are integrated with cardiology follow up, your results are explained and acted upon within the practice.
CTCA is well suited to stable, low to intermediate risk patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The Medicare item requires a request from a specialist or consultant physician and specific clinical criteria, so where a GP suspects CTCA is appropriate, a cardiology review can arrange it. Imaging is performed with Pinnacle Medical Imaging and reported with cardiology correlation and fast turnaround.
