Methods
Calcium Score Test
A simple, non-invasive scan to understand your heart health.
What is a Calcium Score Test?
A Calcium Score Test, also called a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan, is a quick CT scan of the heart that checks for calcium build-up in your arteries, an early sign of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Even if you have no symptoms, this test helps your doctor assess your risk of heart disease and plan lifestyle or treatment steps to protect your heart.
What to Expect
The scan is painless, takes around 10–15 minutes, and requires no injections or dye.
You’ll simply lie on the CT table while detailed images of your heart are taken.
Avoid caffeine and smoking before your appointment for the most accurate results.
Understanding Your Results
Your result is given as a calcium score, showing how much calcium is present in your heart’s arteries.
A higher score suggests a greater chance of blockages, helping your doctor guide prevention or treatment options.
Cost and Medicare Coverage
Calcium Score Tests are not covered by Medicare, and a small out-of-pocket fee applies.
Book your Calcium Score Test today to take a proactive step towards a healthier heart.
Cardiac CT (CT Coronary Angiography)
A detailed, non-invasive scan to assess your heart’s blood vessels.
What is a Cardiac CT (CTCA)?
A CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) is a specialised CT scan that provides a detailed view of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply your heart with oxygen and nutrients.
Blockages or narrowing in these arteries are among the main causes of heart attacks.
This advanced scan can detect both soft and calcified plaque, helping your doctor assess the degree of narrowing or disease in your heart’s arteries. The anatomy of the entire heart and the adjacent aorta is also examined during the study.
How the scan works
The scan is performed using the latest multi-slice CT scanner for precise and detailed imaging.
It involves an injection of contrast dye through a small cannula in your arm to help highlight the arteries.
You may also receive temporary medication to slow your heart rate, ensuring clear, accurate images.
Important notes
CTCA does not replace conventional cardiac catheterisation and may not be suitable for all patients.
In some cases, a Calcium Score Test is performed at the same time as the CTCA or can be done separately without contrast.
For All Cardiac Imaging No Tea, coffee, caffeine, chocolate, smoking or exercise 12 hours prior to the scan. these will all negatively affect your imaging and in can often stop us from being able to take the scans due to heartrate being too high or erratic.
Please stay well hydrated and fast for 4 hours prior.
Please allow at least an hour after your appointment in case we need to give medication to lower your heartrate to a level which allows us to perform our imaging. Echo and calcium scores normally do not require this.
If these conditions are met, you cannot or should not have a cardiac CT examination carried out, or only after consulting a doctor:
- If you are pregnant, no computed tomography should be done.
- Have you ever had an allergic reaction to contrast media containing iodine? Contrast agents are used to improve the representation of structures and functions of the body. Since contrast media containing iodine are used, you should inform us in advance of any intolerances or allergies you may have.
- Is your kidney function impaired? Contrast media can interfere with kidney function. The extent of the kidney disease should therefore be known. Therefore, a current creatinine value should be available for the examination. As a preventive measure, it is advisable to drink as much liquid as possible before and after such an examination.
- Do you take metformin (eg Glucophage®) for diabetes? Delayed degradation of metformin can occur in combination with a contrast medium. There is therefore a risk of hypoglycaemia. Therefore, the intake of metformin must be paused 2 days after a contrast-enhanced CT. Please discuss this with your treating doctor.
- Do you have an overactive thyroid ? The iodine contained in the contrast medium can disrupt the thyroid metabolism. Therefore, if you suffer from an overactive thyroid gland, you may only be examined with a contrast agent after the doctor has previously treated the thyroid gland (so-called “thyroid blockade”).
- Do you suffer from a plasmacytoma (multiple myeloma)? Since kidney damage can occur in patients with a plasmacytoma, certain laboratory values to assess kidney function (creatinine) should be checked before an examination with contrast medium.
- In the case of a greatly reduced GFR (<30) or reduced TSH value, individual consultation with the treating physicians must be held before the examination
Cardiac MRI
Advanced imaging to assess the structure and function of your heart.
What is a Cardiac MRI?
A Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive scan that provides highly detailed images of the heart’s structure, function, and surrounding vessels.
It uses a strong magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and advanced computer technology to create clear, 3D images without using radiation.
Why it’s performed
This test helps doctors assess conditions such as heart muscle disease, inflammation, scarring, or congenital abnormalities.
It can also evaluate heart function and blood flow, providing valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment planning.
What to expect
You’ll lie comfortably inside the MRI scanner while it captures detailed images of your heart.
Some scans require a contrast injection to enhance clarity, and you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
In some cases, you might receive medication to slow your heart rate for optimal imaging.
If these conditions are met, you should not or should not have a cardiac MRI examination carried out, or only after consulting a doctor:
- Known allergy to MR contrast agent (if contrast agent is important for the examination)
- Overweight (> 135 kg)
- Claustrophobia ("fear of claustrophobia"): In most cases, the examination can be carried out very well with a small dose of a sedative, but after that you are no longer allowed to drive for about 4 hours.
- Pregnancy (first 3 months)
For All Cardiac Imaging No Tea, coffee, caffeine, chocolate, smoking or exercise 12 hours prior to the scan. these will all negatively affect your imaging and in can often stop us from being able to take the scans due to heartrate being too high or erratic.
Take a proactive step towards understanding your heart health.
