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 and 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 to the amount of plaque buildup.
Knowing the score
The results of a CT Heart Scan 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
Those at highest risk 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 $129.00 for the CT Heart Scan. Pre-payment is required at the time of registration. We accept cash, check, or credit cards.
Locations for CT Heart Scans
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–All Saints
3801 Spring Street, Racine
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–Elmbrook Memorial
19333W. North Avenue, Brookfield
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–St. Francis
3237 S. 16th Street, Milwaukee
St. Francis Rawson Radiology
7400W. Rawson Avenue, Suite G20, Franklin
Wheaton Franciscan–St. Joseph
5000W. Chambers Street, Milwaukee
Wheaton Franciscan – The Wisconsin Heart Hospital
10000W. Blue Mound Road, Wauwatosa
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare–Franklin
10101 S. 27th Street, Franklin
Scheduling appointments for a 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. Francis Rawson Radiology, St. Joseph, The Wisconsin Heart Hospital, or Franklin, please call (414) 456-3200.