Spire Cheshire Hospital in Stretton, Warrington, can now help you identify your risk of coronary heart disease with the introduction of a new service, CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring.
This is a CT scan of the heart designed to look for calcium in your coronary arteries
What is a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Score?
This is a CT scan of the heart designed to look for calcium in your coronary arteries. If no calcium is detected your risk of having a heart attack is generally lower than if you have calcium present. A calcium score is then calculated which helps identify your risk of coronary artery disease.
What does the test involve?
The scan is fast, safe, accurate, painless and non-invasive, taking just 15-20 minutes to perform. You will be asked to change into a gown and then the CT Radiographer will bring you into the scan room and explain the procedure to you.
During the procedure you will lie on an open ended scanner so you are not in an enclosed space. You will lie on your back with your arms raised above your head and the scan table will move slowly in and out of the CT scanner. The CT Radiographer will attach three sticky pads to your chest and these will be connected to an ECG (heart) monitor. The ECG monitor will enable the scanner to take the scan when your heart is at rest. You will simply be asked to hold your breath a few times whilst a series of pictures are taken.
What do I need to do before the test?
When you make your appointment you may be asked to avoid caffine for four hours prior to the scan. Caffine can affect your resting heart rate, so omitting this prior to the scan can help improve the quality of the images
What happens next?
Our Consultant Radiologists will produce a report which will be sent to your referring doctor. The results of the scan will be discussed with you at your follow up appointment.
For more information or to make an appointment please call Spire Cheshire Hospital on 01925 215 067 or complete our online enquiry form