Have you ever heard of advanced heart risk assessments? Well, thanks to modern medicine, one of the best ways to identify and track issues in your cardiovascular health is through a heart scan. But what exactly is a heart scan called, and what does the process entail?
Essentially, a heart scan is a non-invasive imaging test that detects calcified plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. This plaque buildup can restrict blood flow to your heart and cause serious health issues like heart attacks. The heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, uses a CT machine to capture high-resolution images of your chest and check for plaque buildup.
Before you go rushing to schedule a heart scan, it’s important to understand that this test isn’t for everyone. Typically, only those with a higher risk of heart disease or a family history of heart problems should consider getting one. Your doctor can determine whether a heart scan is right for you and help guide you through the process.
What is a heart scan?
A heart scan, also known as a calcium scan or coronary calcium scan, is a non-invasive imaging test that can detect the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. The test uses computed tomography (CT) to produce images of your heart and detect any signs of heart disease. The higher the amount of calcium, the higher the risk of developing heart disease in the future.
The test is typically recommended for people who have a higher risk of heart disease, such as those with a family history, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. The test may also be recommended for people who have a low to moderate risk but want to assess their risk of heart disease.
Benefits of a heart scan
- The test is non-invasive and does not require any special preparation.
- The test can detect early signs of heart disease before symptoms appear.
- The results can help physicians determine the appropriate treatment plan and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease.
What to expect during a heart scan
A heart scan typically takes less than 30 minutes, and the procedure is painless. You will lie on a table while the CT scan takes images of your heart. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short period during the scan.
After the test, your physician will review the results with you and discuss any necessary treatment or lifestyle changes.
Interpreting the results
The results of a heart scan are reported as a calcium score. The score ranges from 0 to over 400, with higher scores indicating a higher risk of heart disease. A score of 0 indicates a low risk of heart disease.
| Calcium Score | Heart Disease Risk |
|---|---|
| 0 | Low |
| 1-99 | Low to moderate |
| 100-399 | High |
| 400 or higher | Very high |
If your score is high, your physician may recommend additional tests or procedures to evaluate your heart health.
Benefits of Heart Scans
A heart scan, also called a coronary calcium scan, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses computed tomography (CT) technology to measure the amount of calcium present in the arteries of the heart. This test provides a high-resolution image of the heart, enabling doctors to detect and measure the buildup of plaque in the arteries. There are numerous benefits to getting a heart scan, including:
- Early detection: Heart disease often develops gradually, and initial symptoms may be subtle. A heart scan can detect the buildup of plaque in the arteries long before symptoms appear, allowing doctors to intervene early and prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.
- Accuracy: A heart scan is an extremely accurate diagnostic tool, with studies showing that it correctly identifies the presence of coronary artery disease in over 90% of cases.
- Non-invasive: Unlike other diagnostic tests for heart disease, such as cardiac catheterization, a heart scan does not require any incisions or invasive procedures. This makes it safer and more comfortable for patients.
Overall, getting a heart scan can be an important step in maintaining your heart health and preventing serious complications. If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart attacks or strokes, talk to your doctor about whether a heart scan is right for you.
Who should get a heart scan?
If you have risk factors for heart disease, it’s important to receive a heart scan to assess your potential risk of having a cardiac event. Some of the factors that may make you a good candidate for a heart scan include:
- Family history of heart disease: If a close relative has had heart disease, you may have an increased risk.
- High blood pressure: This puts unnecessary strain on your heart, making you more susceptible to heart disease.
- High cholesterol: This can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, leading to blockages that can cause heart attacks and strokes.
- Diabetes: Those with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease and should be routinely screened.
- Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases your risk of heart disease.
- Obesity: An unhealthy weight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which increase your risk of heart disease.
What is involved in a heart scan?
A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, is a non-invasive, painless test that uses a CT scanner to take images of your heart. During the test, you will lie on a table and electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate. The CT scanner will take images of your heart from different angles, which will be used to check for calcium deposits in your arteries. If calcium deposits are present, it indicates plaque buildup, which can increase your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Benefits of a heart scan
Getting a heart scan can provide you with invaluable information about your heart health. Some of the potential benefits of a heart scan include:
- Assessing your risk of heart disease: The heart scan can detect calcium deposits in your arteries, which can indicate the presence of plaque buildup.
- Identifying any potential problems early: If plaque buildup is present, you can work with your doctor to come up with a plan to prevent it from progressing and causing heart disease.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your heart is healthy can provide you with peace of mind and reduce anxiety about your health.
The bottom line
If you have any risk factors for heart disease, it’s important to get a heart scan to assess your potential risk. The test is non-invasive, painless, and can provide you with valuable information about your heart health. By identifying any potential problems early, you and your doctor can work together to reduce your risk and keep your heart healthy.
| Benefits of a Heart Scan | Potential Risks of a Heart Scan |
|---|---|
| Assesses risk of heart disease | Exposure to radiation (although it’s minimal) |
| Identifies potential problems early | False positives (although this is rare) |
| Provides peace of mind | Cost (although it’s typically covered by insurance for those at risk) |
Overall, the benefits of a heart scan outweigh the potential risks, especially if you have any risk factors for heart disease. Talk to your doctor today about whether a heart scan is right for you.
Risks associated with heart scans
While heart scans are a valuable tool in identifying potential cardiovascular issues, there are also risks associated with the procedure. It’s important to be aware of these risks before getting a heart scan to make an informed decision.
- Radiation exposure: Heart scans involve the use of a special type of X-ray called computed tomography (CT) scans. These scans use ionizing radiation, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. The amount of radiation exposure from a heart scan is relatively low, but it’s still important to limit unnecessary exposure.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in certain types of heart scans. This dye is injected into the bloodstream to help highlight the blood vessels in the heart on the scan images. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and can include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Potential false positives: While heart scans are effective at detecting potential heart issues, they can also produce false positives. This means that the scan may indicate a problem that isn’t actually there, leading to unnecessary stress and additional testing.
It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of a heart scan before deciding to undergo the procedure. If you have concerns about these risks, be sure to discuss them with your doctor before scheduling a heart scan.
How to Prepare for a Heart Scan
If you are scheduled for a heart scan, there are a few things you should do to prepare for the procedure. Following these steps can help ensure that your results are accurate and reduce the likelihood of any complications.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor or healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the scan. It is essential that you follow these instructions carefully.
- Fasting: Depending on the type of heart scan you are having, you may be required to fast for several hours before the procedure. This is because eating can affect the results of some scans.
- Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can interfere with some heart scans, so it is best to avoid caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soda, for at least 12 hours before the test.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can also interfere with some heart scans, so it is best to avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before the test. If you are a regular smoker, consider quitting altogether to reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Wear comfortable clothing: You will need to wear loose, comfortable clothing for the scan. Avoid wearing clothing with metal zippers or buttons, as these can interfere with the test.
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your heart scan is successful and accurate. If you have any questions or concerns about how to prepare for the test, be sure to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Interpreting heart scan results
Once you’ve undergone a heart scan, the results can be relatively confusing to understand on your own. It’s often suggested to arrange a follow-up meeting with a doctor to discuss the test results, but it’s still helpful to have a basic understanding of what you might see on the report.
- Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score: This is the main measure that’s used to rate the severity of heart disease. Scores are usually between 0 and 400, with anything above 400 indicating a higher risk of heart attack or other heart ailments.
- Age and Gender-Specific Percentiles: Your score will be compared to others in your age and gender group to provide a better understanding of your relative risk. It’s an essential tool to help doctors assess your risk levels more accurately.
- Distribution of Calcium Deposits: The pattern of calcium buildup can assist the doctor in determining if an individual has mild or extensive plaque in their arteries.
To delve a little deeper, doctors will examine the thickness of your heart wall, your heart muscle function, and the amount of blood your heart can pump. Other measurements could include your Ejection Fraction, or the volume of blood your heart can pump per beat, and your End-Systolic Volume, which is the amount of blood left in your heart after it contracts. Understanding these results, along with your CAC score and percentile ranking, can assist your doctor in determining the best path of treatment for you.
Here’s a chart you can use as a reference when interpreting your heart scan results:
| Score | Severity of Heart Disease |
|---|---|
| <0 | Low Risk |
| 1-100 | Mild Risk |
| 101-400 | Moderate Risk for Heart Attack or Heart Disease |
| >400 | High Risk for Heart Attack or Heart Disease |
It’s important to remember that a heart scan is just one tool in assessing cardiovascular disease risk and should be used alongside other measures and clinical assessments. Proper and continuous care, including making positive lifestyle changes and following any treatment plans recommended by your healthcare provider, are crucial steps toward reducing your risk of heart disease.
Follow-up after a heart scan
After a heart scan, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss the results and any potential follow-up actions you need to take. Here are some important follow-up considerations:
- Discussing the Results: Your healthcare provider will go over the results of your heart scan with you and explain what they mean in the context of your overall health. They will also discuss any potential next steps if the scan revealed any abnormalities.
- Reviewing Your Risk Factors: Your healthcare provider may review your risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or family history of heart disease. They may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help manage these risks to keep your heart healthy.
- Scheduling Follow-Up Scans: Depending on your results and risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up heart scans in the future to monitor any changes in your heart health. These scans can help catch any potential issues early and allow for earlier intervention.
It’s important to note that a heart scan is just one tool in assessing your heart health. It is still important to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, and managing any underlying medical conditions.
Here are some potential actions your healthcare provider may recommend based on the results of your heart scan:
| Potential Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Further imaging tests | If the heart scan revealed abnormalities or areas of concern, your healthcare provider may recommend further tests such as a stress test or angiogram to get a better look at your heart and blood vessels. |
| Lifestyle changes | If your heart scan revealed a high calcium score or other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking to help manage these risks. |
| Medications | Your healthcare provider may recommend medications such as statins, blood pressure medications, or aspirin to help manage your risk factors for heart disease. |
| Counseling | If the results of your heart scan are causing stress or anxiety, your healthcare provider may recommend counseling or other mental health resources to help manage these feelings. |
Overall, following up with your healthcare provider after a heart scan is critical to understanding your heart health and taking any necessary actions to keep it healthy. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your healthcare provider to ensure that you’re taking the necessary steps to care for your heart.
What is a Heart Scan Called? FAQs
1. What is a heart scan called and what does it do?
A heart scan is also known as a calcium-score screening heart scan, coronary calcium scan, or cardiac CT for calcium scoring. It is a non-invasive medical imaging test that helps detect the presence of calcium deposits in your heart arteries, which may indicate the risk of coronary artery disease.
2. What are the benefits of getting a heart scan?
A heart scan can help you understand your risk for heart disease, determine the appropriate treatment options, and monitor the progress of the disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.
3. Is a heart scan painful or invasive?
No. A heart scan is a non-invasive, painless procedure that uses a CT (computed tomography) scanner to create detailed images of your heart.
4. Is a heart scan covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance provider and policy. Some insurance plans cover the cost of a heart scan, while others may require you to pay a copay or deductible. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
5. How do I prepare for a heart scan?
There is no specific preparation needed for a heart scan. You can eat, drink, and take your medication as usual before the procedure. However, you should avoid caffeine and smoking for at least two hours before the test.
6. How long does a heart scan take?
A typical heart scan takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. However, the actual time may vary depending on the number of images needed and the condition of your heart.
7. Are there any risks associated with a heart scan?
A heart scan is a low-risk procedure. However, it does expose you to a small amount of radiation. This risk is generally outweighed by the significant benefits of early detection and treatment of heart disease.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading this article about what is a heart scan called. We hope this answered your questions and provided you with useful information. Remember, early detection is key to preventing heart disease, so don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about getting a heart scan if you are at risk. For more health-related articles, stay tuned and visit us again.