Instructions for patients prior to, during, and following CT coronary angiography

The study is performed with ECG monitoring, the use of contrast material and special indications determined by a cardiologist and a radiologist. Preliminary consultation with these specialists is necessary.

Also, if you know that you have an allergy to iodine-containing drugs, it is necessary to consult an allergist, since the CT contrast material is made on the basis of iodine. It may be necessary to conduct an allergy test.

For the quality of the study and your safety, please follow the recommendations below:

• Do not eat for 4–6 hours beforehand.
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola) for 12–24 hours beforehand.

A small amount of water is allowed.

It is important to tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Bronchial asthma
• Have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast material
• Are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
• Second or third degree heart block without a pacemaker
• Severe hypotension
• Decompensated heart failure
• Acute peripheral vascular disease
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Severe anemia
• Patients with kidney disease may be prescribed a blood test (creatinine).

Medications

• Take your regular medications as directed by your doctor;
• Among them, it is not allowed to take PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), which you should inform your cardiologist about;
• 48 hours prior to the trial, metformin group medications must be stopped;
• The ideal pulse rate is less than 70 beats per minute; if it is higher, a beta-blocker is prescribed a few hours prior to the study after consulting with a cardiologist; if there are contraindications due to chronic illnesses or other reasons, the cardiologist will prescribe an alternative medication (such as a calcium channel blocker);
• If there are no pertinent contraindications, you will receive nitrates to widen your arteries prior to the research.

Clothing and accessories:

Remove all metal objects (watches, jewelry, earrings, etc.). Wear comfortable clothing. The temperature in the examination room is approximately 20 degrees. The entire examination procedure will last 15-20 minutes. Men must have their chest hair removed in order to place the ECG electrodes.

During the examination:

• You will be placed on the scanner table
• During the examination, you will be given a specific breathing exercise by the radiologist to follow.
• When the contrast is injected, you may feel a warm sensation in your body or a metallic taste in your mouth - this is normal and will pass soon
• Remain motionless until the examination is complete

After the test, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to help the contrast pass through more quickly.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, you can resume your regular diet and activities.

Be mindful of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing

In this case, consult a doctor immediately!

Wish you health!