Heart scans in Michigan
A simple heart scan can help you and your doctor better understand your heart health so that you can get the right treatment sooner. A heart scan creates high-resolution images to identify and measure calcium-containing plaque in your arteries. Too much plaque can narrow your arteries and restrict blood flow. If daily tasks or a short walk are more difficult than they used to be, ask about heart screening options.
Calcium buildup in your arteries can be caused by diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other pre-existing medical conditions. That’s why our heart care team starts by getting to know you. We listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work together to create a heart care plan that’s right for you.
Who should get a heart scan?
Your age, gender, lifestyle and medical history play a role in your heart health. You may benefit from a heart scan if you:
- Are a man over age 40 or a woman over age 50
- Are a smoker or have a history of smoking
- Have a family history of heart attack at an early age
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
*A heart scan is not for everyone. It is not recommended for routine screening of people who do not have symptoms of heart disease and have a low risk of heart attacks. Heart disease risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, family history of heart disease. We recommend you work with your doctor on your overall health plan and any risk factors you have.
Schedule a heart scan, close to home
At Ascension Michigan sites of care, we work with you to diagnose and manage heart and vascular conditions. Getting a heart scan is the first step in finding the right care for you. A doctor’s referral is needed to schedule a heart scan. Ask your primary care doctor or cardiologist if a heart scan is right for you.
FIND A HEART DOCTOR - KALAMAZOO
Connected to a national team for heart care
When you need more advanced heart care, your doctor can connect you with the right cardiovascular specialists close to home. Your personalized heart care may include advanced surgical options. And your doctor is part of a national team of specialists, surgeons and care teams, delivering the latest in heart care testing, treatment and procedures.
A heart scan is an X-ray used to identify and measure calcium-containing plaque in your arteries. Too much plaque can narrow your arteries and restrict blood flow. Doctors at Ascension in Michigan may use a heart scan to detect your risk of heart disease or heart attack. Calcium buildup in your arteries can be caused by diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other pre-existing medical conditions. That’s why our heart care team starts by getting to know you. We listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then, we work together to create a heart care plan that’s right for you.
If you are experiencing chest pain, especially in combination with jaw or arm pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or difficulty breathing, you might be having a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.