CT Angiogram

[carole99]

I have an appointment in April and am trying to find out what happens

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Linked below is typical information from one NHS Trust. Your team may do things slightly differently. But I would be expecting you to have a pre-procedure interview with member of your team a few days before you have the procedure itself, so that is the time to find out more and ask any questions.

uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-websit...

Also info from the BHF

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[carole99 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you for your reply.

I rang the hospital and was told the letter should explain what is going to happen and what I need to do beforehand. I said the letter said not to drink coffee tea soda or eat chocolate for 6 hours before the time of the appointment, and that was all. They said I cannot eat for 4 hours before the test and it will take 5 to 10 minutes after they put the dye in through a canular.

I am not reassured by the phone call but if it doesn't feel right before they start on the day I am not having the test.

Once again Thank you for your reply.

[sandandkev in reply to carole99]

I also am having ct scan April,you can have a light meal 4 hours before scan,no coffee or tea as it contains caffeine and can make heart go faster,they can see the blood vessels on this test and am glad having mine done,if you refuse they may not do it again

[carole99 in reply to sandandkev]

Thank you for your reply.

[Cavalierrubie]

l am anxious to know what happens as well. I am waiting for an appointment. I am not sure if to have it done either, so please let us know how you get on. Thank you.

[carole99 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

My appointment is on the 9th April. I will let you know

[Cavalierrubie]

Thank you Carole. Best wishes for the test.

[carole99 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I just wanted to let Cavalierrubie know that my appointment has been cancelled and I now go on the 19th April.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to carole99]

I have sent you personal message. Xxx

[carole99]

Thank you

[Silvertail]

It's no big deal - here in Aus, anyway. First they put a cannula in your arm for the contrast. They take 'pics' first and then inject the contrast through the cannula and take the same pics again. I had to have one because they didn't want to send me to another hospital to have another angiogram. The CT scan seems to be as good as (or nearly as good as) an angiogram, but less invasive. It shows blockages also so - found I had a 50% blockage in my LAD as well as other problems.

[carole99 in reply to Silvertail]

Thank you for your reply.

[Rnfrds10]

I second what Silvertail said, I had mine done in London. They found non-obstructive plaque so some but not enough to cause any blockages. I think they numbed the area where the cannula goes in(mine was on my wrist, but I think they can use the leg as well) , you don’t really feel any thing apart from a weird feeling when they let the dye flow. All told it was quite relaxed event for me anyway and I have anxiety.

[carole99 in reply to Rnfrds10]

Thank you for your reply I also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I am also afraid of being sick when having it done.

[Rnfrds10 in reply to carole99]

Full disclosure I just realised why I was relaxed during the procedure looking at my notes they gave me diazepam. Perfect for those with anxiety I think

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Rnfrds10]

How long did the procedure last please? Thanks

[Rnfrds10 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Less than an hour, I had minor blockages so no further work was needed. I guess if they find blockages it could take long as they fit stents if needed.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Rnfrds10]

Thank you for your reply and help. It’s the unknown that’s scary. I suppose we should be thankful that these procedures can be life-saving. Good that you are ok. Take care.

[Rnfrds10 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I just realised the original poster was talking about a CT angiogram not the one I had which was an angiogram. I think it’s more straightforward than the one I had. She is having myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/... I had myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/... don’t want to give wrong info.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Rnfrds10]

No problem. They are bit confusing. One is invasive (that you had) and the other not. I think if there is a problem with the CT then you have to have the biggy. I am waiting for the CT.

[Nicky678]

Hello I recently had an angiogram. I was concerned about it but it was painless. I asked for a sedative. They used the access in my wrist artery. I hardly felt anything If you have questions you shoukd see the dr before or nurse and you can ask any questions..

I had a cannula in my arm for the anesthetic which was ok. There will be lots of people there making sure all is OK. Mine took around 30 mins I think but I'm not sure as I felt sleepy . Afterwards they give you time to recover and you'll have a compression on your wrist which helps the wound from bleeding. They slowly let down the air from the compression till the compression is looser. ( Its like a plastic bandage ) not painful. They'll keep an eye on you and was offered some lunch!

Don't worry..I was so scared but I was well cared for. There will be a cruise on your wrist and a little lump wheedctge entry point was..if you're concerned about any swelling talk to your gp or nurse ASAP

Take care it will be fine. I had my results straight after yhe dr came to see me x

[carole99 in reply to Nicky678]

I have no option of seeing a Dr or nurse before having it done. I saw a cardio pain nurse and she gave me a load of tablets and said I would get an appointment. I rang the hospital and the person I spoke to didn't put my mind at ease. I will see how it goes. I am glad yours went well.

[MoretonCross in reply to carole99]

Hello, I had one done a few weeks ago, and it's nothing like you may be imagining! Honestly it's very straightforward and I was very well looked after by cardio nurses and my cardiologist who actually did the procedure. You will get sedation and anaesthetic just like a couple of your responders have described and it's a procedure that the team will have done many, many times. Please don't overthink it, and whatever you do, please don't refuse to have it done. It's absolutely vital for your diagnosis and treatment thereafter. Be a little apprehensive by all means, I'm sure we all were it's only natural. But it'll be fine, you'll see, and you'll soon be enjoying a nice cup of tea after it's over. All the very best to you.

[carole99 in reply to MoretonCross]

Thank you for your reply. I am not having sedation the nurse said they don't sedate for a ct scan

[Nicky678 in reply to carole99]

You will have a pre assessment at the hospital that is doing the angiogramHave you not had this? This is where you can ask questions etc..also on the day you can ask questions too..

[Nicky678 in reply to Nicky678]

They normally see you before or at least on the day ..

[carole99 in reply to Nicky678]

Thank you for your reply

No pre assessment I just go on the day and they are doing it. They aren't very pleasant so far so I am dreading it. I haven't got a cardiologist just seen a pain nurse that gave me a load of tablets and said I would get an appointment for a ct scan.

[carole99 in reply to Nicky678]

Thank you for your reply. No pre assessment. It isn't an angiogram it is a ct scan

[Silvertail in reply to Nicky678]

Hi Nicky. I think she meant CT cardiac scan and not an angiogram. I found an angiogram not too bad, but the CT scan was a breeze.

[carole99 in reply to Silvertail]

Yes it is a CT cardiac scan. Thank you

[Silvertail in reply to carole99]

I hope it all goes well and you do not feel too apprehensive.

[carole99 in reply to Silvertail]

Thank you

[soppysokes in reply to carole99]

ah right, ct scan is very different from angiogram. Its a straight forward scan and is not painful. if using contrast a canula is put in and the dye comes through that, makes you feel,for a second or two that you might pee yourself-but you dont and it passes very quickly! angiogram is a very different process. always advised to drink a fair bit of water for the day or so following it, to help flush out any remaining ‘dye’.

[carole99 in reply to soppysokes]

Thank you for your reply

[Nicky678]

Sorry I meant a bruise on your wrist x

[scentedgardener]

I had one in December 2020, because I refused to hsve an invasive angiogram, mainly because the reason they wanted one had occurred 6 years earlier.I don't remember about food and drink restrictions, but the canula was the biggest one I've ever seen.

They want your heart rate to be 60 or below so may give you a beta blocker to take before, or may give you some when you're there. I had to hold my breath on a half breath in a few times, and as ever you have the warm feeling when the contrast goes in. Basically it was just another CT scan, nothing to worry about.

[carole99 in reply to scentedgardener]

Thank you

[Nicky678 in reply to scentedgardener]

I didn't find the canula large...its part of the procedure.. a bit uncomfortable but that's all..

[scentedgardener in reply to Nicky678]

Mine was in the middle of the pandemic and I think they'd run out of normal size canulas, it was certainly VERY much larger than any I've had before or since, and I've had a lot. It was so big I photographed it, too

[davebal67]

I have had two CT's, one only last week. Everything is painless.The first scan my heart did race due to the burning sensation in my feet but that passes within 60secs due to the contrast dye.

The second scan the burning sensation was in my scrotum but heart didn't race. They do give u a squirt of the angina spray to open blood vessels in the heart that causes a headache but soon passes.

I did feel a bit light headed post CT but was fine after 10 min. I drove home after this and then went on the Peloton for an hour, so no long term effects.

My first scan told me that I have severe blockages and the second scam told me that my grafts were patent and clear.

[carole99 in reply to davebal67]

Thank you

[Nicky678]

Hello if its a ct scan nothing to worry about ....I know its frightening with the unknown. They put a canula in for the contrast dye so they can see more clearly.. this is warm and you feel like you might wee but you wont! This is normal..sometimes they don't use contrast..please don't worry about the procedure...its painless x

[carole99 in reply to Nicky678]

Thank you for your reply. The canula doesn't bother me I have had one before. They are using the contrast dye. I am finding all this helpful Thank you all

[Nicky678]

Please tell them you're nervous when you go in..you just lie on the scanner and it passes over you..no pain x

[carole99 in reply to Nicky678]

I am worried about the dye and the whole thing. I have anxiety about taking medication, which I just seem to be getting more and more. It is the unknown as well. I am sure I will be fine from what is being said on here. Thank you for your reply.

[Nicky678]

I'm sorry I thought it was an angiogram you were having...my mistake x

[carole99 in reply to Nicky678]

That's okay. I appreciated your reply. I am glad you were okay when you had your angiogram.

[Parsley56]

Caroline, I've had 3 ct scans this year and honestly, nothing to worry about! The dye merely assists your diagnosis, all for the best. Please don't worry!

[carole99 in reply to Parsley56]

Thank you very much

[Thanksnhs]

Answer was completely wrong, I misread the question. Char

[carole99 in reply to Thanksnhs]

Thank you

[Qualipop]

Lucky you. I haven't even spoken to anyone yet but have been told mine will be at least 12 months.

[carole99]

Thank you for your reply. I had a funny do with chest pains in late February I saw a chest pain nurse at the hospital in early March and in early April I have to have the CT Scan. I have had high blood pressure that isn't going down for a couple of years now and a family history of heart attacks and heart failure. I don't know as much as I should on this subject through anxiety and it stressing me out.

I hope you can get an earlier appointment and that you stay as well as you can.

[Bunkular]

I've had both tests done - the dye/ treadmill CT scan which showed some problem areas of my heart (partial blockages) & that prompted the cardiologist to book me for the 2nd test - the angiogram. I was told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the previous night but to take my usual pills as scheduled. I had to put on the hospital "peek-a-boo" gown and the nurse put in a special device through which the catheter is introduced. No big pain at all. As a matter of fact I found it all very interesting. The information that the cardiologist discovers is quite helpful in determining which, if any coronary arteries are blocked and by how much. Docs go by that to figure out if you need any drugs or if you need a stent placed which they can do at the same time. I strongly advise against cancelling this appointment. You will regret it if you do.

[carole99 in reply to Bunkular]

Thank you for your reply. I am going to go and see how I get on. I do find I stress terribly before any appointments but when I get there I usually handle it.

[RailRover]

Don't obsess about it. The description is much scarier than the experience. It's fascinating if you are oriented so that you can see the screen as it happens. Go for it!

[Bunkular in reply to RailRover]

Although at a sharp angle I could see the screen and exactly where the narrowed arteries are located during my angiogram. Knowledge is a huge plus in management of anxiety & stress. Not knowing can lead to fear which can be a vicious cycle. However, it is understood that some physical details can be overwhelming too. There is a comfort zone for everyone.

[carole99]

Thank you for your reply. From what I understand I won't be near a screen, even if I was I don't want to see anything. I like to know what is going to happen to a point but never want to see anything. I think they get the results after the C T Scan.

[carole99]

Am I allowed to ask on here if I should stop taking clopidogrel a blood thinner before a C T coronary scan. Has anyone been told not to take it.

[MONIREN]

You will be advised by hospital what medication to stop and how long. Nothing left to chance. Take care.

[carole99 in reply to MONIREN]

Thank you

[carole99]

My appointment has been cancelled and I now go on the 19th April. I asked again if I need to do anything before the app and I was told I can eat what I want just not to drink tea coffee or chocolate. I don't think these people at the hospital know what they are doing.

[Lekster]

I have a CT scan on Tuesday and have been given similar advice - I think this is accurate though - no caffeine for 24 hours prior to scan and beta blockers to slow heart rate - just water to drink and able to eat.

[carole99 in reply to Lekster]

I was told initially not to eat for 6 hours before the scan, I rang up and spoke to someone in the CT dept they told me not to eat for 4 hours before the scan. When they rang the other day the woman on the phone that changed my appointment said to eat what I want when I want. In all conversations with them the said to avoid Coffee Tea and Chocolate. From start to finish it all seems a bit rushed with no information initially. Then I have been given different instructions. Good luck with your CT scan on Tuesday. I would be interested in how you go on. Thank you for your reply.

[Sarah090174]

I had a CT Angiogram back in December, the procedure was ok and nothing to worry about really. You can have a light diet but obviously starve 4 hours before and have no drinks with caffeine in them. When you arrive you have a canula put in your arm, when you go in for the scan they squirt some GTN under your tongue and do the scan, they then repeat with the radioactive dye through the canula. There were issues with mine so they had to get an on call doctor but everything went ok after this. I did take a little bit of food with me to eat after the scan and I was offered a cup of tea and biscuits after. They also check your baseline observations before sending you home and compare them to the ones when you arrived before the scan. It is all very organised, I just got a headache from the GTN which didn’t last very long. I am sure you will be fine and it will go well. I got my results around 3 weeks later from my cardiologist in a letter. Fingers crossed all goes well for you and you get answers, take care of yourself

[carole99 in reply to Sarah090174]

Thank you very much for your reply. I will not eat for the 4 hours before the appointment. I am glad your appointment went well.

[carole99]

Hi I went for my C T Scan today and you were all right I had no pain from the cannula at all. The scan took 5 mins they said I would be 15 mins from start to finish as they take blood pressure readings before they start. They gave me beta blocker 3 doses before they started because my blood pressure was sky high. It felt as it it was over in a flash. They dye was fine.

Thank you everyone on here that answered me. I stressed myself out for nothing, if I had to have the same scan I would not be bothered. They said my GP will get the results and I have an appointment with them at the beginning of May so I will find out the results. From what they said today when I asked the GP gets blood test results along with the ECG and C T Scan results then looks at all three and decides the best course of treatment if any is needed.

Once again Thank you all the answered me, it helped a lot.