Heart scans in Kalamazoo
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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.
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What does a heart CT scan measure?
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 Borgess 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.
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What do I do if I am experiencing chest pain
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.
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Need a cardiologist?
When you need more advanced heart care, we have experienced cardiovascular specialists close to home. We provide the latest in heart care testing, cardiology treatments and procedures.
