Spire Gatwick Park Hospital is pleased to offer CT Calcium Scoring scans to patients in Horley, Crawley, Redhill, Reigate, Horsham and Surrey and Sussex.
What is a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Score?
This is a CT scan of your 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, as this may indicate you have or may develop coronary artery disease. This scan will identify the amount and location of any calcium deposited in your coronary arteries. A Calcium Score is calculated which helps indicate your risk of coronary artery disease.
This scan is fast, accurate and non-invasive
What does the test involve?
The scan is fast, generally safe, accurate, painless and non-invasive, taking just 15-20 minutes to perform. You will be asked to change into a gown and the CT Radiographer will bring you into the scan room and explain the procedure. The CT scanner is a doughnut shaped machine which is open at both ends, so you are not enclosed. You will lie on your back on the CT Scanning table with your arms raised above your head as the scan table moves 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 while a series of pictures is taken.
What do you need to do before the test?
When you make your appointment you may be asked to avoid caffeine for four hours prior to the scan. Caffeine is a stimulant and can affect your resting heart rate so omitting this prior to the scan can help to improve the quality of the images.
What happens next?
The CT scan will be interpreted by one of our Consultant Radiologists who will produce a report for your referring doctor. The results of the scan will be discussed with you at your follow up appointment.
Further questions?
Our CT Specialist Radiographers are trained to perform these scans and will be happy to answer any of your questions before, during or after the procedure.
How do I contact Spire Gatwick Park Hospital to make an appointment or enquire further?
You can contact our Imaging department on 01293 778953 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.