Heart Scan
A heart scan is the most accurate way to detect your heart attack risk – even before you display any symptoms. This non-invasive screening test uses advanced technology to determine if there is a calcium buildup in the arteries of your heart – an early indicator of heart disease.
Now, for a limited time, the cost of the heart scan is only $99.
If you have any questions, or are ready to schedule your heart scan, please call CareMatch at (630) 782-7878.
Why is it important to have a heart scan?
According to the American Heart Association, 50 percent of men and 64 percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. What that means is that, for many people, the first sign of heart disease is a heart attack.
By taking this simple test you can know whether or not you have heart disease now – while you still have time to improve your heart health and lower your risk of a potentially fatal heart attack.
What does the heart scan measure?
Using advanced 64-slice CT technology, the heart scan reveals calcium buildup in the arteries, which is the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular disease events and may be present for decades before the onset of a heart attack.
The greater the amount of calcium present, the greater the liklihood of heart disease. Following your heart scan, you will receive a coronary calcium score. A high score may be consistent with a moderate to high risk of a heart attack in the next two to five years. If your score is zero, the presence of dangerous plaque is very unlikely.
Who can benefit from a heart scan?
A heart scan is recommended for:
- Men age 35 and older and women age 45 and older with at least one of the following risk factors: family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, over ideal body weight and diabetes;
- Men age 45 and older or women age 55 and older without risk factors; and
- People with diabetes over age 30.
How do I prepare for my heart scan?
Before having a heart scan, we ask that you not smoke, consume caffeine or exercise for six to eight hours before the test.
In addition, we ask that you take a few moments to complete the online Heart Health Assessment . Please print out the report and bring it with you to your heart scan. If you are unable to complete it ahead of time, a nurse will ask you to complete one when you arrive for your appointment.