Diltiazem as an alternative to beta-blocker in coronary artery computed tomography angiography.

Background: Reducing heart rate (HR) in CT angiography of the coronary arteries (CTACor) is critical to image quality. The effectiveness of calcium channel blockers as alternatives for patients with contraindications to beta-blockers has not been established.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy in the reduction of HR and RR variability of metoprolol and diltiazem in CTACor.