64 slice CT angiogram

[Nan]

Hi Everyone, well, I am scheduled for a CT angiogram on 3/13/06!

This will hopefully give me information as to whether my angina and SOB are because the mitral valve regurg is affecting my heart or because there may be a blockage in a coronary artery.

They tell me that they will not only be able to see any calcium and soft plaque, but should also be able to measure the valves and heart walls and motion etc. Interesting. This is generally done with a heart rate reduced to 60 or so with Beta Blockers, but with my pacemaker set at 70 that will make it more difficult. But they say it can be done. Given my generally high level of anxiety with any kind of medical stuff it'll be a miracle if they can get the heart rate down to 70!

Didn't want to do the traditional cath with all of the coumadin issues etc. unless I absolutely had to do so.

Will let everyone know how this type of test goes.

 

[geebee]

Nan,

I had a heart CT scan a couple of years ago at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. They were able to tell that my arteries are clear and no problems exist. I do not know if they looked at the valves because we did this due to high cholesterol and arteries were the primary concern.

It was very interesting and was not at all uncomfortable. The scanner is a little intimidating but I got over that quickly. They wanted to strap me down but I talked them out of that because I am claustrophobic. I just had to promise not to move which I glady complied.

Good luck.

 

[bvdr]

Just a few days ago I was discussing the 64 slice CT with one of my doctors and it's usefullness in evaluating pulmonary hypertension when there is fibrotic tissue present in the lungs. It seems the 64 slice CT is absolutely incredible and, if I understood correctly, can literally eliminate the need for a pulmonary arteriogram. Of course my mind has been thinking of other invasive procedures that maybe it could replace as well.

Nan, I'll be interesting in hearing about how it goes. I'm with you 100% in not wanting to mess with the coumadin issue if the same results can be obtained by another method. I wonder how the costs compare.

 

[Praline]

Nan.

Nan.

Good luck on your test. I hope everything turns out okay. Don't forget to let us know.

 

[aussigal]

These are really cool tests...

It was the first good-one I had done that showed up my arteries( soft & or hard plaque too!) and my annie and very accurate sizes of everything too! I got a copy on DVD as well so I can watch it at home....

it was a brilliant test, literally only took only a few minutes ( 10 at the most!) and the worst part was the contrast-dye bit when ya think you have peed ya pants!
I wouldnt worry about your heart-rate....mine was uncontrolled throughout this test as I hadnt been put on beta-blockers at that stage.

It really is a breeze and so much less claustrophobic than the MRA...

in Australia my CT angio cost $611.00 I got around 95% of that back ! whoohoo!