Can high-tech heart scans help prevent heart attacks?
Cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) is gaining ground as a fast, effective way to diagnose coronary artery disease. The noninvasive test uses multiple high-speed x-rays to create three-dimensional views of the blood vessels and structures of the heart. Unlike stress tests, CCTA can detect non-obstructive plaque, which is plaque that blocks less than half of the inner diameter of an artery and is responsible for most heart attacks.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Already a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.