Safety of intravenous β‐adrenoceptor blockers for computed tomographic coronary angiography

What is it about?

Having good heart rate control is vital for high-quality CT scans of the heart. Better heart rate control means clearer pictures (so more accurate diagnosis) and less x-ray exposure (less radiation) for patients. Most centres use beta-blockers to help slow the heart down before heart CT scans. We use injectable beta-blockers which act quickly, but the recommended doses of these drugs are low. We have shown that using much bigger doses is very safe.

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Why is it important?

As discussed, slower heart rates mean better quality pictures with less radiation (x-ray) exposure to the patient. If we can give more beta-blocker, safely, to patients coming for heart CT scans, more patients will get better quality scans with less radiation.