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HeartScan Minnesota
 This non-invasive test is a CT Scan procedure that produces transverse (cross-sectional) pictures through the heart region of the chest, and depicts the presence and amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. By measuring the amount of calcium that builds up in the coronary arteries, the so-called "hardening" of the arteries, predicts the likelihood of subsequent cardiovascular events in people with no symptoms. This test has promise of providing early detection of disease in the coronary arteries of asymptomatic persons, especially those who have multiple other risk factors.
Risk Factors
If you are age 35-79 and have one or more of the common risk factors for heart disease, you could either have or could develop coronary artery disease. Call for your heart scan appointment and get an inside view of your heart’s health.
Family History – Do you have a parent, sibling or other close blood relative who has been diagnosed with heart disease, heart attack or stroke?
High cholesterol – Have you been told by your physician that your overall cholesterol level is high?
Smoking – Do you now or have you ever smoked or used tobacco products?
High blood pressure – Do you take high blood pressure medication or have you been told your blood pressure readings are high?
Obesity – Are you 50 or more pounds overweight? Is your weight in line with your height?
Physical inactivity – Do you get regular, daily exercise?
Diabetes – Have you been diagnosed with diabetes?
The Importance of Coronary Calcification
· Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in America and the lifetime risk of developing it is approximately one in two for men and one in three for women.
· Once chest pain has developed, a coronary artery stenosis of 70% or greater is usually present. Unfortunately, the majority of patients suffering a myocardial infarction are found to have coronary plaque of only moderate severity (30-50%).
· Also, nearly one third of active ischemic events may be silent without significant cardiovascular symptoms.
· Early detection and quantification of atherosclerotic burden can identify asymptomatic persons at high risk so that early preventative measures may be recommended.
Below are a few preparation instructions for your HeartScan appointment.
Appointment Length: Please plan to spend up to one hour at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
Paperwork: You will need to fill out paperwork including demographics and a health questionnaire to help us get to know a little bit about you and what (if anything) puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete this paperwork.
Cholesterol: A cholesterol test is included. *This will be done if you have not had your cholesterol checked in the past 90 days and have had nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours. (Includes gum, mints, flavored water or anything containing a sweetner.) Plain drinking water IS acceptable.
Medications: Please take medications as you normally would, only take them with plain water.
Exam: You will be required to hold your breath for two scans (pictures). Each will last 10 to 45 seconds.
Special Needs: If you have any special needs, please inform the staff at the time of scheduling. We will be able to allot extra time to meet your health care needs or have special equipment ready.
Results: After your scan is complete, the technologist will prepare your paperwork and images for a radiologist and cardiologist to review. A report will be generated and printed. You will receive two reports in the mail and one will be filed in your electronic medical records with Allina Hospitals and Clinics. This process may take up to 14 days to complete.
Contact Us: You may contact us at 612-863-3500 or 1-877-800-2728.
Billing: The cost of a Heart Scan will be submitted to your insurance company. Coverage of this procedure is subject to the terms of your policy. You will be notified by your insurance if you are liable for any deductibles and/or co-insurance. If your insurance denies coverage of this procedure a discount will be applied to your account and you will be sent a bill from Allina Hospitals & Clinics for $100.
If you choose to pay for your scan or if you have no insurance, the cost is $100 paid at the time of your appointment. We accept cash, checks and all credit card types. We will provide you with a receipt at the time of your scan.
Location: HeartScan Minnesota is located on the first floor of the Sister Kenny Building on Abbott Northwestern Hospital's campus. When you arrive at the Sister Kenny Building, go to the Outpatient Imaging Center to check in. Click here for a campus map and guide.
For this test you, will lie down on the scanner bed, and a technologist will put electrodes on your chest. It's a safe, simple, painless technique. There are no injections and no needles. The technologist will ask you to hold your breath up to one minute while the scanner captures the images of your heart and other organs.
After the procedure, a HeartScan physician will interpret the scan, and you will receive the results by mail within two weeks. If your primary care physician referred you, a copy will be sent to your doctor as well. When the test is complete you may leave without restrictions. The total radiation is about the same as getting 3-5 x-rays.
Physician clinics may call HeartScan Minnesota at 612-863-3500 and schedule an appointment for their patient. Patients may also self-refer for this test by calling the same number. We will bill insurance companies for this test, but it is best if patients contact their insurance company to inquire if they will consider payment for this test prior to the appointment. If patients want to pay for the test themselves, the cost will be $275 paid at the time of the appointment by cash, check or any credit card.
Additional Information
Please contact Heartscan Minnesota directly at 612-863-3500.
Click on the following to learn more about:
Other tests for this sub-specialty
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