About CT Scan for the Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. More than 2,600 Americans die of heart disease each day. For 150,000 Americans annually, the first and only symptom of heart disease is a fatal heart attack. Two thirds of heart attacks occur because plaque that is blocking the artery develops a tear, a blood clot forms in the site and shuts off the artery, causing a heart attack or sudden death.

With early detection and lifestyle modifications, the potential for advanced heart disease may be significantly reduced and in some cases reversed. Heart Scan, a high-speed CT scan of the heart, is one of the most accurate tests to reveal coronary artery disease. It is an excellent, non-invasive way to look at the calcium build-up in your coronary arteries.

At NYU Medical at Columbus, we offer a state-of-the-art, sophisticated and extremely fast diagnostic imaging tool that can take cardiac and other images between heartbeats. This Heart Scan may be appropriate for men 35 or older and women 40 or older with any of the following risk factors.

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• History of tobacco use
• Family history of heart disease
• Overweight or obese
• Significant emotional or job-related stress