title: Beta-blocker administration protocol for prospectively ECG-triggered coronary CT angiography.
abstract: The aim of this article is to discuss the protocol of beta-blockers that is commonly used for prospectively ECG-triggered coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). It is essential to ensure a low and regular heart rate in patients undergoing prospectively ECG-triggered CCTA for optimal visualization of coronary arteries. Although early generations of computed tomographyscanners are not applicable to be tailored according to patients' heart rate, a low and regular heart rate is possible to be achieved by the administration of medications according to the beta-blocker protocol. Beta-blocker can be safely administered to reduce patients' heart rate for CCTA examination if patients are screened for certain contraindications.
authors.affiliation: Akmal Sabarudin, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Akmal
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sabarudin
authors.affiliation: Akmal Sabarudin, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Zhonghua
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sun
keywords: Beta-blockers; Coronary computed tomography angiography; Heart rate; Prospective ECG-triggering