Heart Disease Scan

One way to protect your heart health is with a calcium heart scan, also called a heart computed tomography (CT) scan. This scan can tell you and your doctor if you’re at risk for heart disease. That way, you can be proactive with treatment.  

What’s a Calcium Heart Scan?

A calcium heart scan uses CT, which is special X-ray equipment, to take pictures of your heart. The pictures show any calcium buildup (or plaque) in your arteries. Often, the buildup suggests that you have coronary artery disease, even if you don’t have any symptoms. As plaque accumulates in the arteries, it can block blood flow to the heart.

With a calcium heart scan, you can find early signs of heart disease and take action with interventional cardiology or other methods before you have symptoms or a more severe heart and vascular condition. The scan at NKCH lasts about 15 minutes and costs $50.

Screening Guidelines

Your doctor can help you determine if a calcium heart scan is right for you. Talk with your doctor before scheduling a scan if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Previous coronary calcium score within the last five years
• Previously diagnosed heart disease (blockage, stent, angioplasty, heart attack, heart bypass surgery)
• Under age 40 or over age 75
• Under age 50 without any of these risk factors:
  • Cigarette smoking history
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of early heart disease (younger than age 65)
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol or high triglycerides

Schedule Your Calcium Heart Scan

To request a calcium heart scan at NKCH, call 816.691.5267 or complete the online form. 

Learn how to prepare for a cardiovascular test.

Your Calcium Scan Results

After your calcium heart scan, a radiologist will review your exam and send results to your primary care doctor. Your doctor has expertise in helping you understand your results and follow-up care. You’ll receive a copy of your results in the mail within a week or two of your scan.