Optimization of Patient Preparation and Imaging Techniques for Cardiac CT

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Metoprolol I.V.: The participant will receive intravenous Metoprolol (up to 15 mg) during the CT examination, administered directly at the CT table prior to CCTA.

Metoprolol I.V. and 1 hour waiting.: The Participant will rest in the waiting room for 1h and then receive intravenous Metoprolol, up to 15 mg.

Music Intervention, Seloken (Recordati) orally and Metoprolol I.V.: The participant will receive Seloken (Metoprolol) according to clinical routine (up to 100 mg) and Metoprolol I.V. (up to 15 mg). The participant will also receive noise-canceling headphones and an iPad (or their own device) to select calming music and listen to it one hour before and during the CT scan.

Study summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare four different methods of reducing heart rate before cardiac imaging. The diagnostic imaging technique used in this study is called Computed Tomography (CT) of the coronary vessels (CCTA). Globally, approximately one-third of patients experience heart-related conditions. Because the heart is a moving organ, imaging presents challenges. A higher heart rate requires increased scanning power, which results in more images and, in some cases, higher radiation exposure that may be harmful. To address this issue, beta-blocker medication is administered before the examination to lower the heart rate. This medication can be given orally, intravenously, or both. While this approach is effective, the most optimal method remains uncertain.

The objectives of this study are:

* To determine whether oral administration of beta-blockers is as effective as intravenous administration in maintaining a stable heart rate during CT imaging.
* To assess whether listening to music during the procedure improves patient comfort and overall experience.

Participants will:

* Be randomly assigned to one of four groups:
* One group will receive beta-blocker medication orally.
* Another group will receive beta-blocker medication intravenously.
* One group will listen to music during the procedure. Participants will report their sensations and experiences before, during, and after the examination.

The study investigators will compare the effectiveness of oral and intravenous beta-blockers, as well as the impact of music, in terms of:

* Heart rate stability and reduction.
* Participant-reported comfort and overall experience.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Heart Rate — From enrollment to the end of examination, approximately1,5 hours.
  How the heart rate (HR) is impacted by the interventions and the diagnostic images, radiation dose.

Trial sites (1)

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