Heart Scan Test
How is it done?
The scan takes about 15 minutes. You’ll undress above the waist, including jewelry, and put on a gown. A technologist will place electrocardiogram (ECG) leads on your chest, which allow the CT scanner to measure your heart as it beats.
You’ll lie on your back on a table attached to the CT scanner. The table slides into a circular opening in the scanner while a cylinder around the opening rotates around your body. Every few seconds, the table moves a small distance to reposition you. The scanner will take dozens of images in the fractions of a second between heartbeats. It is very important to hold completely still; otherwise, repeat scans may be necessary.
During the test, you are alone in the scanner room but the technologist will watch through an observation window and speak to you through an intercom.
CT scan results
The test "score" is an estimate of the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, which can restrict blood flow to and from the heart.
Typical scores range from zero to 500. A "zero" means you have a very low risk of heart attack. A score of 125 suggests a more than 50 percent chance that there will be narrowing of at least 50 percent of the artery.
Calcium scoring estimates cardiovascular risk, but it may also prove helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of heart disease treatment.
Complete heart risk assessment
After the CT scan, you’ll go to the Affinity Heart & Lung Center for a complete heart risk assessment. The assessment includes family and personal history, diet, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol screening, blood sugar check and a review of your current medications.
An Affinity Heart & Lung Center nurse practitioner or cardiologist will evaluate your results before you leave and discuss follow-up care recommendations with you.
Talk to your health care provider to determine if the Heart Scan is right for you. If you do not have a health care provider, call Affinity NurseDirect at 1-800-362-9900.
