1. What is a Calcium Scan?
A CT Calcium scan
is a
technique for rapid non-invasive
scanning of the heart
using CT
technology. It is quick, accurate and painless and the radiation
exposure is relatively small - about 10 times less than a normal CT scan of
the Thorax.
2. How do I know if I need a scan?
If you think you may be at risk of heart disease or have had previous
cardiac problems then we would recommend a heart scan.
Risk factors include family history of disease, smoking,
high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and stress.
3. Do I need to be referred by GP?
Patients prefer to be referred by their GPs. In this case tell your GP
you
are interested in the test and they can get in
touch with us directly.
You can make an appointment directly with us and come for a consultation
with one of our specialist cardiologists who will determine which scan will
be most beneficial or whether you actually require a scan.
4. Is the scan covered by insurance companies?
Many of the major
companies now cover these tests. You
should check with us or your insurance company first if you have
any doubts. Our team can always give you advice.
5.
What other scans are performed in the centre?
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiogram are also
carried out in the department.
Myocardial
Perfusion Imaging is used to monitor and assess the blood flow around the
heart. This is a lengthy procedure, and a small dosage of radiation is used
to monitor the blood flow in the coronary arteries. Unlike the Heart-Scan (EBCT),
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging can detect any narrowing in the coronary
arteries.
Dual-Source CT Coronary
Angiogram,
is similar but is far less
invasive than the traditional angiogram. It is estimated that up to 30% of
coronary angiograms performed in the U.K turn out to be entirely normal
studies. By excluding coronary disease in such low risk patients the
Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiogram can avoid invasive coronary angiography.
It is not an ideal method to identify narrowing inside coronary stents since
it is not possible to visualize the interior of stents accurately by CT.
6. What is Dual-Source?
A dual source
CT Scanner (DefinitionTM), Siemens, has two x-ray tubes and two targets
therefore they can cover the heart much more rapidly. Since the heart is
a moving organ, such rapid imaging techniques are required for better
visualization of all segments of the artery.
7. I may be interested in having a scan
where can I get more information?
Please contact us for more information. We can put you
in touch with the right member of our team to answer any questions you have.
Contact us and we can send you information and even make the booking for you
when you require.
Contact Us Here.
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Echocardiography
Heart-Scan Advantage
