The diagnosis of heart disease using EBCT heart scan or the CT angiogram

CHD results from hardening and furring up of the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). Small deposits (plaques) of fat (cholesterol) build up on the inside of the arteries. With time, calcium (chalk) is often deposited in these plaques and the amount of this calcification has proved to be a reliable indicator of the extent of heart disease and risk of a heart attack. EBCT can pick up even minute amounts of calcium very accurately and thus atherosclerosis can be detected ten to fifteen years before it causes symptoms.

Using the EBCT heart scan we can quantify any calcium deposits within your coronary arteries to calculate your calcium score. This enables us to determine your individual risk of CHD. However, while the heart scan provides an overall assessment of the total amount of furring up, it cannot demonstrate the exact location of any cholesterol plaques or whether they are causing any significant narrowing of the arteries.

Once the risks are known, we can advise on appropriate treatment. Fortunately there is overwhelming evidence to show that atherosclerosis, if identified early enough, can be stabilised and controlled with modern therapies and lifestyle changes.

Do I need to prepare for the scan?

The actual time you spend in the scanner is about 15 minutes. Further details can be found in the Your Visit section.