Preventive Heart Screenings
Screenings provide your provider with insights and a baseline on your health condition. These tests are a first crucial step in establishing a health plan.
Why heart screenings are important
As you work toward a healthier lifestyle to either prevent future problems or to address a current condition, keep in mind some reasons why screenings are worth your time:
- Screenings can help catch issues early, sometimes even before symptoms occur.
- Screenings help you understand your risk for certain critical conditions, like heart attack or stroke, and help you recognize early signs.
- A screening gives your provider insights and information needed to determine next steps in your treatment plan or for making lifestyle changes.
- Screening results help determine what type of specialist you might need to be referred to and help correctly diagnose any symptoms you may be having, which save you time.
Am I at risk?
Patients are considered at risk for heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular problems if they have a history of:
- diabetes
- hyperlipidemia
- cardiovascular disease in their family
- smoking
- hypertension
- obesity
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How to set up a screening
Start the screening process by talking to your primary care provider about your symptoms. They can order the screening that is right for you. Once you receive an order from your provider (required to make an appointment), you are able to self-schedule these two common screenings:
EKG scheduling
To set up an EKG, answer a few questions, pick you date and fill in your patient information. Appointments are available at locations across the Beacon Health System.
Cardiac CT or PET scheduling
To set up a Cardiac CT or PET scan, answer a few questions, pick you date and fill in your patient information. Appointments are available at locations across the Beacon Health System.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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 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.
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.
What happens after I get a heart scan?
Once you have results, our team can identify the correct provider to help you move toward a healthier you.
What about cost?
We know cost is important to you. You can use our Price Estimator Tool to determine what you can expect to pay for a screening and how much insurance may cover.
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.
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