Understanding Your CTCA Results Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives
Understanding your CTCA results at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. CAD-RADS classification, stenosis explained, next steps. Serving the North Shore.
How Are CTCA Results Reported — CAD-RADS Classification
CTCA results are reported using the CAD-RADS (Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System) classification — an internationally standardised system that allows radiologists to clearly communicate the severity of coronary artery disease and guide clinical management consistently.
CAD-RADS categories and their meaning:
– CAD-RADS 0: No coronary artery plaque or stenosis detected. Very reassuring result — very low likelihood of significant coronary artery disease.
– CAD-RADS 1: Minimal non-obstructive disease (1–24% stenosis). Lifestyle and risk factor optimisation recommended.
– CAD-RADS 2: Mild non-obstructive disease (25–49% stenosis). Preventive medication and risk factor management typically warranted.
– CAD-RADS 3: Moderate non-obstructive disease (50–69% stenosis). More intensive management and functional assessment may be recommended.
– CAD-RADS 4: Severe obstructive disease (70–99% stenosis in one or more vessels). Specialist cardiology referral and further assessment typically required.
– CAD-RADS 5: Probable total occlusion (100% stenosis). Specialist urgent assessment required.
The vast majority of CTCA studies return CAD-RADS 0, 1, or 2 — providing meaningful reassurance that no significant coronary artery obstruction is present.
What Does Significant Coronary Stenosis Mean?
Being told your CTCA has identified “stenosis” in a coronary artery can sound concerning — but understanding what this means in context is important for approaching the result calmly and constructively.
What stenosis means:
– Stenosis means narrowing of the artery lumen due to plaque build-up in the artery wall.
– Non-obstructive stenosis (less than 70%): The artery is narrowed but blood flow is not significantly restricted under normal conditions. This is the most common finding and represents early coronary artery disease rather than a critical obstruction. It does not typically cause symptoms at rest.
– Obstructive stenosis (70% or above): The artery narrowing may limit blood flow under stress conditions and warrants further assessment by a cardiologist. This does not necessarily mean a procedure is needed — the next step depends on the overall clinical picture and functional assessment.
The finding of stenosis — even significant stenosis — does not mean a heart attack is imminent. It means your coronary artery health has been identified and can now be actively managed with appropriate medical treatment and lifestyle intervention, often with very good outcomes.
After Your CTCA: Next Steps if Abnormalities Are Found
If your CTCA identifies a finding that warrants further assessment, your GP or cardiologist will guide you through the recommended next steps — which vary depending on the CAD-RADS category.
What happens based on your result:
CAD-RADS 0 or 1:
– Your GP will provide reassurance and advise on lifestyle optimisation. No further cardiac imaging is typically needed in the short term.
CAD-RADS 2 or 3:
– Preventive medication (typically a statin and/or antiplatelet) and intensive risk factor management are usually recommended. A functional stress test may be arranged to assess whether the narrowing is affecting blood supply under exercise conditions.
CAD-RADS 4:
– Cardiology referral is typically recommended. A functional assessment (stress test or nuclear perfusion scan) is arranged to determine whether the stenosis is haemodynamically significant. If it is, an invasive coronary angiogram — potentially with stenting — may be discussed.
CAD-RADS 5:
– Urgent cardiology referral. Invasive assessment is typically required.
At all stages, your GP and cardiologist will explain the findings clearly and work with you to develop the most appropriate management plan for your situation.
CTCA Report & Cardiologist Referral from Epoch St Ives
After your CTCA at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, our specialist radiologist reviews your images thoroughly and prepares a comprehensive written report.
How your report reaches your doctor:
– A detailed written report is sent directly to your referring GP or cardiologist within 24 to 48 hours of your scan.
– The report includes a description of all coronary artery findings, the CAD-RADS classification, the coronary artery calcium score, and a summary of any other cardiac findings visible on the scan.
– Where relevant, the report includes a recommended management suggestion to support your GP’s clinical decision-making.
Accessing your images:
– You can access your CTCA images through our patient image portal — our team will provide login details after your appointment.
– If you are referred to a cardiologist or another specialist, you can share your Epoch images and report directly with them.
For any questions about your CTCA report or results, contact your referring GP or cardiologist — they are the appropriate point of contact for discussing findings and advising on next steps. For appointment-related queries, call Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives on (02) 9129 6999.
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