Maybe You're at Risk of a Heart Attack. Maybe You're Not.
CT Heart Scan: One way to know the score.
Coronary Artery–Calcium Scoring, or CT Heart Scan, is a non-invasive test that is quick and painless and can diagnose calcium in the arteries before symptoms occur. Since many people experience a heart attack without previous symptoms, early detection is critical to your health.
Understanding your risks for a heart attack
The test uses CT (computed tomography) imaging to capture cross-sectional images of the heart, along with computer software designed to detect and map the location of any calcium contained in your heart.
When one or more coronary arteries become blocked, blood flow slows or stops. This is usually caused by the buildup of cholesterol plaques which leads to “hardening of the arteries.” Research shows a direct link between the degree of calcification in the blood vessels and the amount of plaque buildup.
Know your score
CT Heart Scan results are given as a numerical score. While a high score doesn’t necessarily mean you will have a heart attack, it does provide an absolute diagnosis of heart disease. A calcium score, along with conventional testing and other risk indicators, presents an overall picture of your heart health and is valuable information in charting your care with your physician.
Who should be screened
You may have a higher risk for heart disease have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Age 40 and older
- Smoker
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- Lack of regular exercise and/or overweight
- Stressful lifestyle
Testing procedure and results
The CT Heart Scan is painless and takes just a few minutes. Preparation is minimal. You will be asked to refrain from caffeine, exercise and allergy medications for four hours before your exam. The exam is performed by specially trained professionals, and results are reviewed by a board certified physician. Written results will be mailed to you in three to five days. You are encouraged to share your results with your primary care physician. If the results are critical, you will be notified within 24 hours.
Cost
The cost is just $129 for the CT Heart Scan. Pre-payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash, check or credit cards.
CT Heart Scan Locations
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–All Saints
3801 Spring Street, Racine
Wheaton Franciscan –Elmbrook Memorial Campus
19333 W. North Avenue, Brookfield
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–St. Francis
3237 S. 16th Street, Milwaukee
Wheaton Franciscan–St. Joseph Campus
5000 W. Chambers Street, Milwaukee
Wheaton Franciscan – The Wisconsin Heart Hospital Campus
10000 W. Blue Mound Road, Wauwatosa
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–Franklin
10101 S. 27th Street, Franklin
How to schedule your CT Heart Scan
- To schedule an appointment at All Saints, please call (262) 687-2600.
- To schedule an appointment at Elmbrook Memorial, St. Francis, St. Joseph, The Wisconsin Heart Hospital or Franklin, please call (414) 456-3200.