When it comes to assessing heart health, advanced imaging techniques like the Coronary CT Angiogram provide a powerful tool for early detection and prevention of serious conditions. At The New York Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, located in Midown Manhattan serving the Greater NY Metropolitan area, including the upper eastside and the upper westside, Dr Bradley Radwaner specializes in using Coronary CT Angiograms to evaluate heart health with precision and accuracy.
What Is a Coronary CT Angiogram?
A Coronary CT Angiogram, or CCTA, is a specialized imaging test that uses advanced CT (computed tomography) technology to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart, and any blockages or narrowing in these vessels can increase the risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular issues. Unlike traditional angiograms, which require inserting a catheter into the arteries, a Coronary CT Angiogram is non-invasive and performed using a simple intravenous injection of contrast dye. The test is particularly useful for patients who are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue, as well as those with risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
Coronary CT Angiograms can detect those people who are at risk for a heart attack that are missed by all forms of stress testing, including nuclear stress testing and echo stress testing. This is because it is non-obstructive cholesterol deposits, smaller cholesterol deposits or plaques that pop open within the coronary arteries when they become inflamed causing a blood clot to form and completely occluding the flow of blood in that artery. This is what causes 70% of heart attacks. These non-obstructive small cholesterol deposits are not detected by any form of stress testing, only by CCTAs. By knowing the amount and severity of cholesterol deposits in your coronary arteries, Dr Radwaner can develop a personalized plan to prevent your ever having a heart attack. Following this protocol, combined with advanced cholesterol testing, no patient in our practice has had a heart attack in over 25 years."
How the Test Works
During a Coronary CT Angiogram, the patient lies on a table that slides into a CT scanner. A contrast dye is injected into a vein, which helps highlight the coronary arteries on the images. The scanner then takes a series of X-ray images from different angles, which are combined to create a detailed 3D view of the heart and blood vessels. The procedure is quick, typically lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, and is completely painless. The images produced by the Coronary CT Angiogram allow Dr. Radwaner to evaluate the condition of the coronary arteries with exceptional clarity. This information is invaluable in diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease, identifying the location and severity of blockages, and determining the most appropriate course of treatment.
Why Choose a Coronary CT Angiogram?
The Coronary CT Angiogram offers several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. Its non-invasive nature makes it a safer and more comfortable option for patients, while its high level of accuracy ensures reliable results. Additionally, the test can detect early signs of coronary artery disease, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of more serious complications. For patients who are at risk of heart disease or experiencing symptoms, a Coronary CT Angiogram can provide peace of mind and a clear path forward.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Heart Health
If you’re interested in learning more about the Coronary CT Angiogram or need expert care for your heart, reach out today. At The New York Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, located in Midtown Manhattan and serving the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, NY, we’re here to help you achieve optimal heart health. Call us today at (212) 717-0666 to schedule your consultation.
