Be Smart About Your Heart
Call 1-800-ALEGENT (1-800-253-4368) for more information.
The Alegent Health CT HeartScan is a painless, safe, non-invasive and quick way to detect heart disease in its early stages using CT scanning. Using this advanced technology to scan the coronary arteries, the CT HeartScan offers you a glimpse of calcium building in your arteries before symptoms of heart disease begin to appear.
Who should have a CT HeartScan?
The Alegent Health CT HeartScan is a screening for otherwise healthy people who are at risk for heart disease, including:
- men over the age of 35
- women who are post-menopausal or over the age of 40
- people with high cholesterol levels
- people with high blood pressure
- people with diabetes
- people with other vascular disease
- people who are cigarette smokers
- people with a family history of heart attack
What to expect during the test
A CT HeartScan takes approximately 15 minutes. The procedure is simple, painless and requires no injections. A CT technologist simply applies a few EKG leads to synchronize the scan to the beating heart and asks you to practice holding your breath. During this breath hold, the imaging system collects the necessary images to get a picture of the state of your heart.
What happens after the test
Test results will be mailed to you and your primary care physician within a few days. If you do not have a physician, referrals to physicians on the medical staff of Alegent Health can be provided. Your physician will help determine if you are at low, moderate, or high risk of developing heart disease. Based on your results and your risk factors, your physician may suggest further medical tests, prescribe medication or help you modify certain lifestyle and health habits.
How to make an appointment
Call 1-800-ALEGENT (1-800-253-4368) and you will be able to make an appointment at the Alegent Health hospital of your choice. You have four location choices - Immanuel Medical Center, Lakeside Hospital, Midlands Hospital and Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.
What is the cost?
Most insurance companies do not cover
the cost of a CT HeartScan, however Alegent Health considers the evaluation so
important that we offer it at a special price of $200. Always check with your
insurance provider first to determine coverage. Payment is due at the time of
the appointment. You can pay by cash, check or major credit card.
