Coronary Angiography

Below are basic explanations of the diagnostic tests and clinical procedures we use. For further information please feel free to contact us.

Cardiac Calcium Score and CT Coronary Angiography

An accurate and fast CT scan of the heart is performed first without and then with intravenous contrast. We only use state of the art 64 and 128 slice scanners to ensure high image quality. The first scan assesses the amount of calcium deposition (calcium score) within the coronary arteries. Deposition of calcium occurs secondary to atherosclerosis and the quantity of calcium is closely linked to one's cardiac risk. The second scan is taken during rapid contrast infusion to create a coronary angiogram, a set of images of the coronary arteries that can be reviewed in many formats, including 3D. Analysis of the calcium deposition and the angiogram allows for the accurate detection of coronary artery disease, this is a particularly helpful tool for ruling out coronary artery disease in people with chest pain.

Diagnostic Invasive Coronary Angiography

A diagnostic coronary angiogram is an invasive test that gives excellent pictures of the coronary arteries. A small sheath is passed under local anaesthetic into the artery in the groin (the femoral artery), through the sheath catheters are passed up the aorta and into the origins of the coronary arteries. Pressure recordings are taken within the aorta and coronary arteries and dye is injected into the arteries as a camera takes pictures. This procedure is performed by Dr Hickman and is usually a daycase procedure.

Cardiology Tests and Procedures