Coronary CT angiogram
A CT scan with contrast dye that shows both soft and calcified plaque - and whether any artery is narrowed.
TypeImaging — CT with IV contrast
HowAn IV line for dye, then a short scan. About 30 minutes in total.
How oftenWhen symptoms or earlier results call for it.
BeforeAvoid caffeine; tell staff about kidney problems or contrast allergy.
WhoPeople with chest symptoms, or where a calcium score or stress test leaves questions.
The clearest view of your heart arteries - without a catheter
A CT angiogram uses contrast dye and a fast scan to show the inside of the coronary arteries. Unlike a calcium score, it also sees soft plaque - and how much it narrows the artery.
Calcium score
“Is there hard plaque?”
No dye, quick, low dose. Best without symptoms.
Screening
CT angiogram
“Is there soft plaque or narrowing?”
Uses dye. Best with symptoms or unclear results.
Detail
Invasive angiogram
“Do I need a stent?”
A catheter test, usually only when treatment may be needed.
Treatment
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You have chest pain or breathlessness that needs explaining.
- Your calcium score or stress test raised questions.
- You’re younger with strong risk and your calcium score is 0 - soft plaque may still be present.
A better option if…
- You have no symptoms and want a first look - a calcium score is quicker, cheaper and uses less radiation.
- You have significant kidney disease or contrast allergy - other tests may be safer.
How it’s measured
CCTA
Contrast-enhanced CT timed to your heartbeat.
With FFR-CT
Some centres calculate blood-flow limitation from the same images.
The full picture
What is it?
A CT scan of the heart arteries using contrast dye.
What type of test is it?
An imaging test.
What does it measure?
Calcified and non-calcified plaque and the degree of narrowing in each artery.
Why might someone consider it?
It can rule out significant blockage in people with chest symptoms and shows plaque a calcium score misses.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with symptoms or unclear results from other tests.
How is it performed?
Dye is injected through an IV and images are taken over a few heartbeats.
How often might it be considered?
As clinically needed, not routinely.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether narrowing could explain symptoms and how much plaque you have.
What are its limitations?
More radiation than a calcium score, requires contrast dye, and can find incidental issues that lead to more tests.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, stress test results, ApoB, Lp(a) and calcium score.
Where to get it
Through your provider
A referral to cardiology or a hospital heart centre.
Cardiology clinics
Most offer this test on site.
Imaging & hospital centres
Some accept self-referral - check coverage first.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Why CCTA instead of a calcium score for me?
- Is my kidney function OK for contrast?
- How much radiation is involved?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test