Is coronary ct angiogram more reliable than invasive coronary angiogram?

NO: A ct coronary angio is helpful in normal people but the more disease is present, the more difficult it is to interpret. Calcium, which is a component of plaques, obscures the image. The best use of a ct angio is to rule out disease in the er when someone arrives with atypical symptoms but heart disease is still possible. An invasive angio is more accurate and allows intervention (stents) too.

Gold standard. : Coronary arteriography is the standard other imaging is compared to. Cta is very good in patients who have abnormal position or course of their coronary arteries ( anomalous ). Best to use the right test for a particular problem.

No Largely Angiogram: Coronary angio offers far higher visual speed+accuracy to keep up with artery movement. Also, angioplasty +/- stents can be done to hydraulically expand any narrowings. On the other hand, atherosclerosis is part of the artery walls & does not show on coronary angio; only see the dye added to the blood. Heart ct may see calcification in outer plaque in wall; with dye, may also see ca+2 to lumen gap.

No : Each of these tests has its advantages and disadvantages. But coronary angiogram (cardiac cath) is still the most reliable way to look at coronary arteries.