64 Slice Coronary CTA

64-slice coronary CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography) is an imaging study performed to evaluate the coronary arteries.  The coronaries are a group of arteries that extend from the aorta (the body's largest blood vessel which extends directly from the heart) and supply the heart itself with blood.  These vessels are filled with blood  immediately after the heart pumps when the heart muscle is relaxed.

The purpose of a 64-slice coronary CTA is to evaluate the coronary arteries to see if there is disease that has resulted in narrowing of the artery.  Coronary artery disease is is usually created by atherosclerosis.  This process occurs to some extent in all individuals, though it may be accelerated in those with high "cholesterol" levels (especially LDL).  The end result is the creation of a "plaque" or narrowing of the coronary artery.  If the coronary arteries become narrowed, the decreased blood flow to the heart may be felt as pain.  If the coronary arteries are completely blocked, a heart attack will occur. 

If coronary artery disease is found on a 64-slice coronary CTA, your cardiologist may decide to perform further testing with a catheter angiogram.  The advantage of a catheter angiogram versus a CT angigoram is improved visualization of the degree of narrowing and the possibility for an interventional procedure or heart surgery if severe narrowing is found.  Interventional procedures include dilating the narrow artery with a balloon and placement of a metal stent, which serves to keep the coronary arteries open.

For more information about 64 slice CT scans, please see our sections on side effects of 64 slice CT scans, finding a 64 CT scan center, 64 Slice Coronary CTA, 64 Slice Heart Scan, and 64 slice CT angiogram. 

More Images of 64-slice coronary CTA