Heart Scan (CT Calcium Score)
Know Your Heart Disease Risk Before Symptoms Appear
A Heart Scan (CT Calcium Score) is a quick, non-invasive screening that looks for calcium buildup in your heart's arteries, which can be an early sign of coronary artery disease. Knowing your score can help you and your provider better understand your heart health and make informed decisions about prevention.
What is a Heart Scan?
A Heart Scan, also called a CT Calcium Score, is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
Calcium buildup is often one of the earliest signs of coronary artery disease, even before you notice symptoms. The more calcium present, the greater your risk for future heart attack or other cardiovascular events.
The scan takes only a few minutes, requires no needles, injections or recovery time, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
Who Should Consider a Heart Scan?
You may benefit from a Heart Scan if you:
- Are age 40 or older
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Have diabetes
- Smoke or have smoked in the past
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are overweight or obese
- Want a clearer picture of your heart disease risk before symptoms develop
Even if you feel healthy, plaque can begin building in your arteries years before symptoms appear.
Why Get a Heart Scan?
A Heart Scan can help:
- Detect early signs of coronary artery disease
- Better understand your personal heart attack risk
- Guide conversations with your healthcare provider
- Determine whether lifestyle changes or medications may be appropriate
- Provide peace of mind if your score is low
The earlier heart disease is identified, the more opportunities there are to prevent serious problems in the future.
What to Expect
The screening is quick and non-invasive. There are no needles or IV contrast; no recovery time needed and is performed using advanced CT imaging. After the screening, a radiologist will review your images and send your results to your primary care provider.
Cost
Most insurance plans do not cover Heart Scan screening.
The scan is submitted to your insurance for a coverage determination. If insurance does not cover the exam, your discounted out-of-pocket cost is $99.
Please note that the radiologist's interpretation is billed separately by Radiology Consultants of Iowa.
How to Schedule a Heart Scan
Talk with your primary care provider about your risk factors and if you should consider a Heart Scan. Your provider will place the order, then you can call Mercy's Central Scheduling at (319) 861-7778 to schedule the screening.
