CentraCare Health - Monticello offers HeartScan, a simple, inexpensive test that can detect coronary heart disease in its earliest stages – when it is still possible to keep it from getting worse and long before there are any symptoms. HeartScan uses technology to spot tiny deposits of calcium in the heart and coronary arteries. These bits of hardened plaque that narrow the heart’s arteries are an early warning sign of heart disease.

Standard stress testing cannot detect these calcium deposits until they have narrowed the arteries by at least 50 percent – yet narrowing of only 30-50 percent is common in people who have had heart attacks. These calcium deposits are responsible for as many as half of all heart attacks and sudden cardiac death – many times in people who have had no symptoms of heart disease.

HeartScan is designed for men and women over age 40 who have one or more of the common risk factors for heart disease – a high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, obesity, stress or a family history of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

HeartScan is not a surgical technique. There are no needles and no dyes, no fasting and no claustrophobic machines. The test itself usually takes about 15 minutes, with results within two weeks or less. What Does Heart Scanning involve?

• The test does not require any special preparation – no fasting or discontinuing of current medications
• The procedure is simple and fast. It takes just minutes to perform and there is no need to disrobe or exercise while being tested.
• The procedures are non-invasive
• The procedures are safe with minimal radiation exposure

If you have questions about HeartScans at CentraCare Health - Monticello, call us at 763-271-2288.