Use of Medication in Coronary Imaging by CT
Michael Rees and Beatriz Nieto-Baltar
Pages 194-200 (7)
CT of the heart has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Adjunct medication in order to obtain the best possible
images is a frequent requirement of coronary and perfusion CT examinations of the heart. Heart rate control and coronary
dilation are the key objectives for coronary CT investigations; heart rate control is usually achieved with cardio-selective
short acting B Blockers, where B Blockers are contraindicated as in severe asthma. Ivabradine an If channel blocker is an
alternative drug this is usually prescribed for a week before the CT examination and therefore requires a significant
amount of preparation and prior knowledge of the patient. Coronary dilatation is usually achieved by the use of short acting
nitrates. Cardiac perfusion examinations by CT require the administration of adenosine or an adenosine agonist. In all
cases of medication usage care must be taken to minimise drug interaction and mitigate the side effects of the drugs used
as well as deciding on the order and timing of the use of medication [1, 2].
Beta-blocker, CT, ivabradine, medication, heart rate.
Bangor University, School of Medical Sciences, Brigantia Building, Penrallt Road, Gwynedd Wales LL57 2AS, Spain