Do I need a Heart Scan? part 3

What are risks of a heart scan?

Heart scan machine uses electron beam computerized tomography to assess calcium in your blood vessels. These scans exposure you to a lot of radiation- the same amount that you would receive from 30 chest x rays. Repeated heart scans could expose you to a lot of radiation and increase your risk of cancer. Further, anyone who is pregnant should never have a heart scan.

Heart scan can also be performed using CT angiography. Here you are administered a dye that could cause an allergic reaction and you are also exposed to a lot of radiation. The dye can even cause kidney failure or worsen damage to your kidneys.

There are no special preparations required for a heart scan at many of these walk in centers. The majority of these walk in centers are more interested in your finances than your heart. Only a brief history is obtained, a superficial physical exam is performed and your risk factors assessed. Rest assured, the heart scan will be done irrespective of your risks or symptoms. To these physicians the only thing of concern is whether you can pay for the scan.

How does Heart Scan work?

A heart scan usually takes less than 5-10 minutes. You come in and lie down on a flat table. There are no intravenous fluids, no needles or anesthesia. The table enters a small tunnel and the machine takes pictures of your heart. You hold your breath for a few second while the machine takes the pictures. The computer quickly draws up images of your blood vessels and calculates the calcium score.