Hendricks Regional Health is committed to providing low-cost, life-saving screening opportunities to our community. Read on for more information on heart scan qualifications and why they are vitally important to your health.

How Do Heart Scans Work?

Heart scans provide early detection of heart disease, even when symptoms may not be present. A heart scan takes pictures of your heart's arteries, allowing physicians to check for coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. These scans are quick and painless, lasting about 15 minutes.

Who Should Have These Screenings?

You should get a heart scan if you:

• Are 40 years or older
• Have high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Have diabetes
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Are overweight or obese
• Have a history of smoking

If you are at low risk of a heart attack, or if you have already had a heart attack or coronary heart disease treatment, a heart scan may not be effective. For example, if you are under 40, don't smoke and have normal cholesterol and blood pressure, a heart scan is not necessary. If you've had a heart attack in the past, a heart scan will not provide any new information about your treatment plan that your physician won't already know.

The above criteria are recommended but not required for scheduling a heart scan.

Preparing for a Scan & Your Results

What you need to know before your scan:

• Please refrain from caffeine, nicotine or smoking 12 hours prior to your scan.
• Come as you are at your scheduled time.
• No need to change out of your clothes during the scan.
• Jewelry and electronic devices cannot be worn during the scan.

What you need to know after your scan:

• Your results will be provided to both you and your physician.
• Follow-up with our team varies depending on the results of the scan.
• If follow-up is necessary, you will schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss results and next steps.
• Click here to help you understand the results of your heart scan.