Heart screening in Southeast Idaho
At Portneuf Medical Center, our imaging specialists provide comprehensive diagnostic tests to help you stay ahead of your heart health. Our heart screens include calcium CT scoring, which detects and measures plaque build-up in your arteries. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with a heart condition or simply want to stay informed on your cardiovascular health, our compassionate heart screening specialists are here to provide exceptional heart imaging services tailored to your needs. Schedule a $99 heart screening today!
Who should get a heart health screening
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the #1 cause of death for both men and women. But there’s good news: it can be treated if caught early. And one of the best and easiest preventive tests for your heart is a heart screening.
There are different heart screenings designed to detect potential heart issues before they occur. One of the most common is the calcium score, a specialized X-ray that provides pictures of your heart to help detect and measure plaque buildup lining the walls of your coronary arteries. Plaque buildup narrows the arteries, restricts blood flow to the heart and ultimately can lead to a heart attack if left unchecked. By detecting plaque buildup early, your doctor can provide a treatment plan to help you reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke.
If you are 40 years or older and are at an increased risk for heart disease, you should consider a heart screening. You are at an increased risk if you:
- Are diabetic
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are a past or present smoker
- Have a history of high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Are overweight or lead an inactive lifestyle
We can help you manage your heart health by starting with a heart scan to detect potential issues before they happen. Plus, a heart scan can motivate you to make important lifestyle changes and follow treatment plans for a lifetime of good heart health.
A cardiac CT calcium score test requires a referral from your doctor. Download the referral form and begin your journey to better heart health.
What to expect from a heart screening
A calcium score heart scan is a simple test that takes around 10-15 minutes. A technician will attach sensors, called electrodes, to your chest before the scan. These sensors connect to a device that records your heart activity and helps take X-ray pictures between heartbeats when the heart muscles are relaxed.
During the heart scan, you will lie on your back on a table that slides into a CT scanner. Your head is outside the scanner the whole time. You will lie still and hold your breath for a few seconds while the pictures are taken. After the procedure, you can drive yourself home and resume your normal activities.