Why CT Coronary Angiography Is Becoming the Preferred Heart Screening Test
Heart ailments remain one of the major causes of death in India, and the need for early detection has gained greater significance than ever. As lifestyles have become more stressful and risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and even smoking are on a rise, people have been looking ahead for more accurate and safer means to assess their heart health. Over the past decade, CT Coronary Angiography has emerged very fast as a preferred heart screening test due to its speed, safety, accuracy, and its ability to detect even the early stages of coronary artery disease.
At Sikund Diagnostic Centre, where we have been dedicated to providing high-quality diagnostics for the people of Dehradun for more than 31 years, CT Coronary Angiography represents our commitment toward bringing most advanced, reliable, and patient-friendly cardiac imaging to our community. From decades of trust built by Dr. Shobha Sikund and expanded radiology excellence introduced by Dr. Rajeev Sikund, Sikund Diagnostic Centre continues as the pioneer in preventive heart care.
Table of Content:
- What is CT Coronary Angiography?
- What happens to your lungs after 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years of smoking?
- Why Early Testing Matters
- The Sikund Advantage in Lung Screening
- Final Message: Protect Your Lungs Before It Becomes Irreversible
What is CT Coronary Angiography?
CT coronary angiography is a non-invasive imaging test that, through the use of advanced computed tomography technology and contrast dye, provides highly-detailed three-dimensional images of the coronary arteries. This, in turn, allows doctors to take a close look at plaque buildup, narrowing, blockages, and the overall health of blood vessels supplying the heart.
A study from the New England Journal of Medicine (2018) confirmed that CTCA was highly effective in early diagnosing coronary artery disease and improving long-term outcomes by offering timely treatment.
Unlike the traditional angiography, CTCA does not require the insertion of a catheter into an artery. It is fast, safe, and can be performed even on patients undergoing routine heart checkups.
Why CT Coronary Angiography Is Becoming the Preferred Screening Tool
1. Non-invasive and far safer compared to traditional angiography
Traditional coronary angiography involves:
- Insertion of a catheter through the wrist or groin
- Fluoroscopy radiation
- Hospitalization in many cases
- Rest after the procedure
CTCA, on the other hand:
- Does not require the insertion of a catheter.
- Involves minimal discomfort
- Takes only 5–10 minutes
- Allows you to immediately resume normal activities
This makes CTCA perfect for preventive heart screening and the detection of early diseases.
2. Finds blockages at their early stages that may not even show up during a traditional angiography.
Traditional angiography primarily shows narrowing inside the vessel, while CTCA visualizes:
- The vessel wall
- Soft plaque
- Calcium deposits
- Early atherosclerosis
According to a study in The Lancet (2016), CTCA identifies plaques before they become obstructive and offers an opportunity to intervene before a heart attack strikes.
3. Provides a Complete 360° View of the Coronary Arteries
CTCA produces:
- High-resolution 3D reconstructed images
- Cross-sectional views of the arteries
- Detailed visualization of vessel anatomy
This helps cardiologists understand:
- The location of plaques
- Composition-soft or calcified
- Degree of stenosis
- Risk of future cardiac events
Such detail is not always available with conventional angiography.
4. Suitable for Low-Risk and Young Patients
People under 40, or those who do not show major symptoms, are usually hesitant to undergo invasive tests. CTCA is ideal for:
- Young people with family medical history of heart problems
- Diabetic or hypertensive patients
- Smokers
- People with unexplained chest pain
- Fitness enthusiasts desiring preventive screening
It detects the hidden disease early because Indians tend to develop cholesterol plaque much earlier due to genetic predisposition.
5. Much faster and more comfortable
CTCA can be completed in less than 15 minutes, making it ideal for:
- Busy professionals
- Elderly patients
- Emergency evaluations
There is no hospitalisation, and no convalescence is required.
CT Coronary Angiography versus Traditional Angiography: A Comparison of the Key Differences
| Feature | CT Coronary Angiography | Traditional Coronary Angiography |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-invasive | Invasive |
| Procedure Time | 5–10 minutes | 45 minutes or more |
| Hospital Stay | Not needed | Often required |
| Risk Level | Very low | Higher (bleeding, infection) |
| View of Arteries | 3D view including vessel wall | Lumen only, inner opening |
| Early plaque detection | Yes | Limited |
| Best For | Screening & early diagnosis | Treatment planning & stent/angioplasty |
Both tests have their role. CTCA is ideal for screening, early detection, and diagnosis. Traditional angiography is used in cases requiring some sort of interventional treatment, such as stenting.
How CTCA Helps Prevent Heart Attacks
CT Coronary Angiography identifies
- Soft plaques likely to rupture
- Hidden cholesterol deposits
- Early artery inflammation
- Calcium scoring (plaque burden)
According to a study published in JAMA, 2021, early detection by CTCA reduced heart attack risk by almost 40% because doctors are able to initiate medications along with early changes in lifestyle.
CTCA at Sikund Diagnostic Centre
For over 31 years, Sikund Diagnostic Centre embodies a commitment to accuracy, compassion, and advanced care. Our centre offers the following facilities:
- High-class CT technology for fast, sharp imaging
- Experienced radiologists trained in cardiac imaging
- Safe and low-radiation protocols
- Comforting and patient-friendly environment
- Fast and reliable reporting
From pathology to radiology, Sikund offers an integrated diagnostic approach that guarantees thorough evaluation for better outcomes.
A Smarter, Safer, and More Reliable Way to Protect Your Heart
CT coronary angiography has changed the paradigm for cardiac diagnostics. This non-invasive nature of the modality, coupled with speed and great accuracy, makes it a very viable screening test for people of all ages. When combined with early lifestyle modifications, CTCA can reduce the incidence of heart attacks by a significant amount and thus save lives. Whether it is a family history of heart disease, discomfort in your chest, or merely a preventive check-up of your heart, CT Coronary Angiography at Sikund Diagnostic Centre will bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.