CT Angiogram / Radiation Exposure / Scared

[ocean12]

I'm having mitral valve repair in November and one of the tests that my dr. has ordered is a CT angiogram to check arteries, etc.  I am very worried about the exposure of radiation that this test gives off.

I also had a CTA of the Aortic Arch and Head back in 2009 when my doctor was worried about a carotid bruit that he kept hearing in my right neck.  That test proved ok and it was determined that the bruit was coming from my mitral valve regurgitation that was radiating sound up to the carotids.

Now that my surgeon wants to do the CT Angiogram of my hearet before my surgery, I am so freightened about the radiation exposure that the test from 2009 combined with this one will do to my body.  Does anyone know more about this?  Should I decline the test?  

The reason he wants to do this is because my Ejection Fraction has declined over the last 3 years and he wants to rule out any sort of blockages, etc. before my surgery.

I am absolutely horrified that I am subjecting myself to something that can potentially cause me to have cancer in the future.

HELP!!!!

[ed34]

I don't think you have to worry. I had an angiogram with a lot of contrast to try and locate my collapsed grafted veins. They made me wait a week before I was allowed a CT scan.
That was in 2008 and I have been on the angio table for over 4 hours since then. I feel no effects whatsoever. They are aware of the dosages being given and have guidelines. The only problem is if you are allergic to the contrast, but that's very rare and symptoms come about very quickly.