Heart Scan: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan or cardiac CT scan, is a non-invasive test used to assess the risk of heart disease. This simple imaging test can detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which may indicate plaque buildup — a major warning sign for potential heart attacks.

Understanding the purpose, process, and benefits of a heart scan can help you take proactive steps in managing your cardiovascular health.

What Is a Heart Scan?

A heart scan is a specialized computed tomography (CT) test that captures detailed images of the heart. More specifically, it looks for calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. Calcium in these arteries is an early indicator of atherosclerosis, the condition that causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries.

The scan provides a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, which can help doctors estimate your risk for heart disease.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally. In many cases, symptoms don’t appear until a serious problem, such as a heart attack, occurs. A heart scan can identify risks long before symptoms begin, giving patients and doctors the opportunity to intervene early.

The scan is especially useful for people who:

Have a family history of heart disease
Have borderline or slightly elevated cholesterol levels
Are middle-aged or older
Have other risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure

By detecting potential problems early, you can make lifestyle changes or begin treatments to reduce your risk.

What Does the CAC Score Mean?

After a heart scan, you’ll receive a calcium score ranging from 0 to 400+:

0: No detectable calcium. Low risk of heart disease.
1–99: Mild calcium buildup. Early signs of atherosclerosis.
100–399: Moderate plaque buildup. Moderate risk of heart problems.
400+: Extensive plaque. High risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular issues.

While a score of 0 is reassuring, it doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of heart disease. Other factors like lifestyle and genetics still matter.

The heart scan procedure is quick, painless, and usually completed in less than 10 minutes. Here’s what typically happens:

Preparation: You may be asked to avoid caffeine and smoking for a few hours before the test.
Positioning: You’ll lie on your back on a CT table. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.
Scanning: The CT scanner takes images as you hold your breath for a few seconds.
Review: A radiologist examines the scan and calculates your calcium score.

There is no need for dye or injections, and you can return to your normal routine immediately after the test.

Not everyone needs a heart scan. However, it may be recommended if you fall into any of these categories:

Men over 45 and women over 55 with risk factors
People with a family history of early heart disease
Individuals with metabolic syndrome or diabetes
Smokers or those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol

If you are unsure whether a heart scan is right for you, consult your doctor. They can evaluate your risk and decide if the test will provide meaningful insight.

Although the heart scan is safe, it does involve a low dose of radiation. While this is generally considered minimal and safe for most people, it may not be recommended for pregnant individuals or those undergoing frequent imaging tests.

Because of the radiation exposure, heart scans are not usually used as a routine screening tool for everyone, but rather for those with specific risk factors.

Benefits of a Heart Scan

There are several benefits to having a heart scan, especially if you are at intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease:

Early Detection: Spot issues before symptoms develop.
Better Risk Assessment: Combine with other tests for a complete heart health profile.
Prevention: Helps guide decisions about lifestyle changes and medications.
Peace of Mind: A score of 0 can reassure people who are concerned about their heart health.

Additionally, your doctor can use the scan results to tailor treatments that reduce your risk of heart problems in the future.

While heart scans are valuable, they also have limitations:

They don’t detect soft plaque that hasn’t calcified yet.
They can’t evaluate blood flow or heart function.
The test does not replace lifestyle changes or ongoing medical care.

That said, when used appropriately, a heart scan is a powerful tool in cardiovascular risk management.

A heart scan offers a fast, non-invasive way to assess your risk of heart disease by detecting calcium buildup in your arteries. It can guide important decisions about your health and help prevent future heart problems. However, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right step for you.