CT Angiogram

[Horse6]

Hi it’s me again . I had a CT angiogram today , should I be worried that they had to give me 3 injections of a beta blocker before they could do the scan . Any ideas of what my problem may be as I’ve not yet had any diagnosis. I have a telephone consultation on the 9th May with my cardiologist.

Thank you

[Griff-64]

I had more than one, as they had to get my heart rate to a lower level, I'm guessing that's to get a sharper image. I know I definately got a couple of enormous sprays of gtn as well, 😲It's a bit of a blur now but I seem to remember someone saying it needed to be in the 50's.

Someone on here will have the correct answer 👍

[Horse6 in reply to Griff-64]

Thank you

[Rhinos67]

Hi Horse6

I was prescribed beta blockers for 2 days before mine, to slow my heart rate enough to get clearer images.Joanne

[nilmonisikdar40]

I had a CT angiogram in March 2021 at St Thomas Hospital and it was a wasted journey all the day because radiologist could not interpret the result because it was blocked by calcium plaque. They should have warned me about it saying that is a possibility. No beta blocker was prescribed probably because I had a pacemaker but they should have said so if that was the true in my case. I had to find about it in my own way because professionals were not helpful. Thank you, Horse 6 because I have learnt something knew. I am still waiting for angiogram.

[simplysal]

No, no need to worry. You would have felt a little anxious or nervous going. Our brain then releases cortisol and adrenaline into our bloodstream. This elevates heart rate.

Beta blocker needed to slow our heart rate down so better pictures can be taken. 🥰

[Horse6 in reply to simplysal]

Thanks for that very reassuring I thought perhaps something was wrong ! Hopefully I will get some good results !

[simplysal in reply to Horse6]

I understand you’d worry. I needed a few beta blocker injections too….and I’m on beta blockers! Go figure lol!

I just understand the physiological responses when we feel fear. It helped me to understand why my heart rate was elevated…..I was scared lol!

Good luck for your results 🥰

[Suzi-45]

Can you tell me please how long it took because I have one next week.Thanks

[Horse6 in reply to Suzi-45]

I was in the hospital about 1.5 hours. The scan was very quick the preparation took longer!

[Suzi-45 in reply to Horse6]

Thank you , wish you all the best

[Faub]

No worries, it was just a bit of stress for sure. The beta blockers they inject you for the Ct scan have a very short effect and literally only last about 1 hr. Drink plenty of water and get those and the dye out of your system 😉

[Horse6 in reply to Faub]

Thanks😀😀

[Ghost-233]

I had to have injections to bring down my blood pressure before it could be done. The cardiologist who injected the drug came back to give me the results and to ask how i was. Apparently it’s quite common to need an injection to bring your BP down. Hope your results are positive.

[Horse6 in reply to Ghost-233]

Thanks 🙂