What is a CT Heart Scan?

MRI & CT Diagnostics uses a cardiac gated CT scanner to perform coronary artery calcium screening test.

The Heart Scan detects and measures calcium in your coronary arteries. If calcium is detected, there is some coronary artery disease present. If no calcium is detected you are at a very low risk for heart attack. A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle (coronary arteries) is blocked. The blockage is often from a build up of plaque containing calcium.

Who is a candidate for a CT Heart Scan?

  • A male aged 45 or older
  • A femaled aged 55 or older
  • Smoke or previous smoker
  • Someone with high cholesterol
  • Someone with high blood pressure
  • Someone who does not exercise regularly
  • Someone with a family history of heart disease
  • Someone who is overweight
  • Someone who has diabetes
  • Someone with a stressful lifestyle