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What is a Calcium Scan?
A Heart-ScanTM
or Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiogram of the heart allows the rapid
detection of heart disease in its earliest stages. A specialised CT
scanner is used to detect levels of coronary calcium accumulating in
the arteries. Levels of coronary calcium are an indication of the
presence of heart disease.
How
do I know if I need the test?
If you have any of the
major risk factors of heart disease you may benefit from a Calcium
Scan. Please speak to our Medical Team or your doctor for further
advice.
How
do I prepare for the test?
No preparation is needed
for the scan. No fasting, gowns or needles.
What
will happen during the test?
You will be taken into
the scanning room and asked to lie down on the scanning bed. Our
radiographer will tell you when the scan is about to commence. You
will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds and then you
simply lie on our scanning table while we acquire pictures of your
heart.
What will the test result tell me?
You will be presented
with a report and a calcium score which will tell you the
presence or progress of heart disease.
What happens next?
Depending on the
presence of mild, moderate or high levels of coronary calcium
you will receive recommendation on whether further tests are
needed and how to manage existing disease. You should have a
repeat scan every 2 years to monitor the progress of calcium
accumulation and detect heart disease at its earliest stages.
What is the Heart-Scan advantage?
- Quicker scan
- Better image
quality
- Lower radiation
dose
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