A surreal illustration of a heart in a CT scan ring, balancing benefits and risks.

Is a CT Scan the Right Choice for Your Chest Pain? Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how CT coronary angiography (CTCA) can help diagnose chest pain, and understand when it's the best option for your health."

Chest pain can be alarming, and figuring out the cause quickly is crucial. Emergency departments (EDs) face the challenge of accurately diagnosing patients with chest pain to ensure that those with serious conditions like acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receive immediate treatment while avoiding unnecessary interventions for those with less severe issues. This balancing act is vital for patient safety and efficient healthcare resource use.

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has emerged as a powerful tool in the evaluation of chest pain. CTCA is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed views of the coronary arteries, helping doctors identify blockages or other abnormalities that may be causing chest pain. Unlike traditional angiography, which requires inserting a catheter into the arteries, CTCA uses X-rays and computer processing to create three-dimensional images from outside the body.

Because CTCA is non-invasive and quick, it offers a significant advantage in the fast-paced environment of an emergency department. It allows healthcare providers to rapidly assess the condition of the coronary arteries and make informed decisions about patient care. However, like any medical procedure, CTCA has its own set of considerations, including radiation exposure and the potential for false positive or false negative results. Therefore, it's essential to understand when and how CTCA can be most effectively used to evaluate chest pain.

How CTCA Works: A Detailed Look

A surreal illustration of a heart in a CT scan ring, balancing benefits and risks.

CTCA uses advanced imaging technology to visualize your coronary arteries. During the scan, you'll lie on a table that slides into a CT scanner. An X-ray beam rotates around your body, capturing cross-sectional images of your heart. A contrast dye is injected into your bloodstream to make the arteries more visible.

The images are then processed by a computer to create detailed, three-dimensional reconstructions of your coronary arteries. These images allow doctors to assess the presence and extent of any blockages or narrowing, which can help determine the cause of your chest pain.

Speed and Convenience: CTCA scans are relatively quick, often completed in minutes, making them ideal for emergency settings.
Non-Invasive Nature: Unlike traditional angiography, CTCA doesn't require inserting catheters, reducing the risk of complications.
Comprehensive View: CTCA provides a detailed view of the coronary arteries, as well as other structures in the chest, helping to rule out other potential causes of chest pain.

A study published in the Korean Journal of Medical Science evaluated the effectiveness and safety of CTCA in patients presenting with acute chest pain at an emergency department. The researchers followed 296 patients and categorized them based on their risk profiles and CTCA results. Patients with a low-risk profile and no significant coronary artery blockages on CTCA were immediately discharged, while those with intermediate risk were observed for 24 hours. Patients with significant blockages underwent further evaluation and management.

Making Informed Decisions About Your Health

CTCA is a valuable tool in the evaluation of chest pain, offering a non-invasive and rapid way to assess the coronary arteries. However, it's not without its considerations. Understanding the benefits and limitations of CTCA, as well as discussing your individual risk factors and concerns with your healthcare provider, will help you make informed decisions about your health and ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3346/jkms.2010.25.3.466, Alternate LINK

Title: Efficacy And Safety Of The Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Based Approach For Patients With Acute Chest Pain At An Emergency Department: One Month Clinical Follow-Up Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Korean Medical Science

Publisher: Korean Academy of Medical Sciences

Authors: Joonghee Kim, Hwijae Lee, Sungwook Song, Jinsik Park, Hwanjun Jae, Whal Lee, Sangdo Shin, Sungkoo Jung, Youngho Kwak, Giljoon Suh, Jaehyung Park

Published: 2010-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and how does it help in diagnosing chest pain?

CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed views of the coronary arteries. It uses X-rays and computer processing to create three-dimensional images from outside the body. This allows doctors to identify blockages or other abnormalities in the coronary arteries, which can be the cause of chest pain. Unlike traditional angiography, CTCA doesn't require inserting a catheter into the arteries, making it a quicker and less invasive option, particularly useful in emergency departments for rapid assessment of patient conditions.

How does the CTCA procedure work, and what should a patient expect during the process?

During a CTCA scan, the patient lies on a table that slides into a CT scanner. An X-ray beam rotates around the body, capturing cross-sectional images of the heart. A contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream to make the arteries more visible. These images are then processed by a computer to create detailed, three-dimensional reconstructions of the coronary arteries. The entire procedure is relatively quick, often completed in minutes. Patients should expect to lie still during the scan and may feel a brief warm sensation when the contrast dye is injected.

What are the benefits of using CTCA compared to other methods for evaluating chest pain?

CTCA offers several advantages. It is quick and non-invasive, making it ideal for emergency settings. It provides a comprehensive view of the coronary arteries, allowing doctors to identify blockages that may be causing chest pain. Furthermore, unlike traditional angiography, CTCA does not require the insertion of catheters, reducing the risk of complications. This method helps healthcare providers rapidly assess the condition of the coronary arteries and make informed decisions about patient care.

What are the potential risks and limitations associated with CTCA for evaluating chest pain?

While CTCA is a valuable tool, it has limitations. It involves radiation exposure, and there is a potential for false positive or false negative results. Moreover, the effectiveness of CTCA depends on various factors, including the patient's individual risk profile and the quality of the imaging. These considerations necessitate careful evaluation and discussion of individual risk factors with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate and effective care.

How is CTCA used in an emergency department, and how does it affect patient management?

In emergency departments, CTCA is used to rapidly assess patients presenting with chest pain. It helps healthcare providers quickly evaluate the condition of the coronary arteries. A study in the *Korean Journal of Medical Science* categorized patients based on their risk profiles and CTCA results. Patients with a low-risk profile and no significant coronary artery blockages on CTCA were immediately discharged. Those with intermediate risk were observed for 24 hours, while those with significant blockages underwent further evaluation and management. This approach allows for quick and informed decisions, ensuring that those with serious conditions like acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receive immediate treatment while avoiding unnecessary interventions.