Memorial Hermann Wellness Institute offering HeartScans
Congratulations on taking the first step toward the goal of a longer, healthier life. Early detection of health problems before any symptoms are present may lead to improved treatment outcomes. As Houston’s premier resource for preventive imaging services, the Wellness Institute incorporates innovative Electron-Beam (EBT) technology in a private setting that affords exclusive attention and hands-on care.
The EBT scanner is a sophisticated and extremely fast diagnostic imaging tool that can take cardiac and other images between heartbeats. EBT is a “gold standard” technology with years of scientific validation in cardiology and radiology literature. It is many times faster than the mechanical “helical” CT scanners and is in use at many of the major university heart centers worldwide.
- No special preparation- no fasting or discontinuing of medications
- Simple and fast. It takes an average of 10 minutes to perform the scan, and there is no need to disrobe or exercise while being tested
- Procedures are noninvasive
- Scanner is open-faced and non-claustrophobic
- Safe procedures with minimal radiation exposure
According to the American Heart Association, “Many of those who suffer a fatal heart attack have average or unremarkable cholesterol levels, normal stress or exercise treadmill tests and few, if any, major risk factors.” A heart scan has the ability to detect hidden heart disease before any symptoms are present. This test is recommended for middle-aged adults with or without risk factors. Your heart scan test will provide you with a Coronary Artery Calcification Score (CACS) that measures the volume, density, distribution and number of calcified vessels in your heart. This score will be interpreted by a board-certified cardiologist, and a detailed report will be sent to you and your personal physician.
A physician referral is required for the heart scan except for men ages 40-65 and women ages 45-70 who have at least one of the following risk factors:
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- LDL cholesterol>160mg/DL
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoker
Memorial Hermann Wellness Institute is not a contracted provider for insurance companies. Therefore, we ask that payment for any procedure be made at the time of service. Individual insurance may, however, cover some or all of the charges, and individuals should file with their insurance company as appropriate.