How to Prepare for Your Coronary CTA

It is very important to follow these instructions for the test to be performed safely and properly and to have accurate results. If you are unsure about any part of this, please contact your referring doctor or your primary care physician.

You will be given a 100 mg beta blocker pill at our office. You will take the pill 1.5 hours before the test. If you are scheduling by phone it is your responsibility to pick the medication up from our office. If you already taking a beta blocker medication you can take your own, but discuss the dose with your physician.

  • This is a list of some beta blocker medications: Acebutolol, Atenolol, Betagan, Betapace, Betaxolol, Betimol, , Bisoprolol, Blocadren, Bystolic, Carteolol, , Cartrol, Carvedilol, Coreg, Corgard,, Inderal, Inderal-LA, InnoPran XL, Istalol, Kerlone, Labetalol, , Levatol, Levobunolol, Lopressor, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Nebivolol, Normodyne, Penbutolol, Pindolol, Propranolol, Sectral, Sotalol, Tenormin, Timolol, Toprol-XL, Trandate, Visken, Zebeta, etc.
  • DO NOT TAKE ANY OTHER BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS THE DAY OF THE TEST!

The tests are performed on Mondays so starting the Saturday before the test you should:

  • Stay very well hydrated. Drink water, but avoid drinks containing caffeine including soda, chocolate, energy drinks, decaffeinated tea, and coffee.
  • Do not take diet pills, energy supplements or anything that can elevate your heart rate.

Do not eat or drink anything except water 4 hours before your appointment.

You will need to submit blood work containing BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine and GFR (glomerular filtration rate) levels no older than 30 days if you:

  • Are 60 years old or older.
  • Have a history of kidney or liver disease (renal failure, one kidney, hepatitis, etc.)
  • Have diabetes.
  • Have hypertension.

If you do not already have this blood work you will need to contact your primary care physician for a prescription. Please have all blood work ready at least 3 days before your procedure.

You will need to consult your primary care physician about a steroid allergy prep if you have any of the following:

  • Allergy to seafood, shellfish or iodine.
  • Asthma or other respiratory disorder that requires an inhaler.
  • An allergic reaction to IV contrast for CT scans before.

If you have diabetes and are taking medication other than insulin please consult the list below for medications you should not take the day of the test and 48 hours after the test. If you are unsure about whether the medication can be taken do not take it on the day of the test, but do bring it with you to show the technologist performing the test.

  • Any medications containing metformin: Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Foramet, Glucophage, Glumetza, Glyburide, Janumet, Metaglip, metformin hydrochloride, Riomet, Rosiglitazone.