CCTA: The Noninvasive Heart Test Transforming Cardiac Care

Blockages in the coronary arteries can lead to life-threatening cardiac events. That’s why it’s critical to identify artery blockages before complications develop.

Preventive care is a priority for our team at Chinatown Cardiology, with four New York City locations. We offer coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) procedures in-office to screen for blockages in the coronary arteries before you have symptoms.

Our skilled cardiologists use analysis technology to evaluate the plaque in the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. The artificial intelligence (AI) supported system translates results into information your provider can use for treatment and other preventive care.

The benefits of CCTA

Bits of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances can harden into plaque, which builds up along the walls of the arteries to block blood flow to the rest of the body.

Plaque buildup is known as atherosclerosis. This condition significantly increases the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events. CCTA provides your cardiologist with information about your risk of heart disease based on the amount of plaque in your coronary arteries.

CCTA analysis also distinguishes between types of plaque, including calcified and noncalcified plaque, which behave differently. People with low-density, noncalcified plaque in their arteries may be at much higher risk of heart attack than those with other types of plaque.

The information gathered during CCTA testing ensures our cardiology team can recommend precise treatments and prevention strategies to improve your heart health.

Candidates for CCTA

Our cardiology team may recommend a CCTA if the results of other cardiac screenings, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), are abnormal.

A CCTA may be part of your diagnostic evaluation for cardiac-related symptoms like:

• Heart palpitations
• Persistent fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Edema (swelling) in the extremities

People at high risk of heart attack or another cardiac event due to a family history of heart disease, smoking, or an unhealthy diet might also benefit from a CCTA.

What to expect during a CCTA

During a CCTA at Chinatown Cardiology, you undergo X-rays that pass through your body and are detected by advanced scanner technology.

We might inject a contrast dye that contains iodine through an intravenous (IV) line. The contrast material produces clear, detailed images of your blood vessels and makes the arteries appear bright white on imaging scans for a more accurate evaluation.

The data collected helps identify plaque in the coronary arteries. We can also use the test results to identify narrowing in the arteries and details about your heart function.

A CCTA only takes a few minutes, and you can resume your usual activities after your appointment. Our providers recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your heart attack risk. They can also prescribe medications, if needed, to address existing heart disease.

Call the Chinatown Cardiology office near you today to learn more about the diagnostic benefits of noninvasive CCTA, or book a consultation online.