HeartScan - A Revolutionary New Heart Exam
Three-dimensional coronary CT scanning is a revolutionary new method for evaluating the heart and coronary arteries. If you are an individual at risk for heart disease, this simple 15-minute test will generate high-resolution 3D images of your heart and blood vessels.
A 3D HeartScan clearly shows blockages that may lead to a heart attack. Prior to the development of this technology, only an invasive and expensive cardiac catheterization could show this level of detail.
Unlike prior noninvasive heart screening tests, a 3D HeartScan can accurately show both calcified and soft cholesterol plaques in your arteries,
and determine the presence and severity of blood flow obstruction. Soft plaques are the most common cause of heart attacks and are not detectable by other noninvasive screening tests.
Why choose FRC for your HeartScan?
FRC is the most experienced CCTA practice in the region. We have performed over 12,000 cardiac CT's since our program began in 2003.
FRC is conscientious about radiation exposure of our patients. FRC’s protocols lend this procedure to have one of the lowest doses of radiation in the United States. Learn more -
Click here to read our Dose Reduction Publication-IJCI [pdf]
Click here to read our Dose Reduction Publication-PGA [pdf]
All Cardiac CT studies are read by a select group of board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologists. All of our radiologists meet American College of Cardiology criteria for reading Cardiac CT. In addition they have each achieved Level 3 clinical competence in Cardiac CT, the highest level of competency attainable from the American College of Cardiology. Equally important is that the technical and administrative staff associated with this program have also received additional training and have demonstrated excellence in the clinical and customer service aspects of Cardiac CT. FRC uses a state-of-the-art 64-detector row VCT scanner developed by GE Medical Systems. FRC has partnered with GE to insure that it remains on the cutting edge of this new and exciting technology.
How Healthy is Your Heart? Get the Full Picture
By undergoing a 3D HeartScan you'll know exactly where you stand in regards to your heart health.
If no abnormalities are found, you can rest assured that you have a very low risk of a heart attack in the near future.
If the exam confirms the presence of calcified or soft plaques, you will receive a comprehensive analysis of their extent and severity.
Your physician can then determine if any additional tests or treatment may be necessary.
Many people find the test results to be a strong motivator in making real and lasting lifestyle changes.
Who Should Consider This New Procedure?
You should consider having a 3D HeartScan if you are at increased risk of having heart disease or if you have symptoms that might be due to heart disease. Risk factors include a family history of heart disease, an elevated calcium score from a conventional CT Heart Scan, a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, or a positive C-reactive protein. We encourage anyone at increased risk or who have potential cardiac disease symptoms to discuss the benefits of having this test with their physician.
For more information or to schedule a 3-D heart scan, contact the Health Screening Coordinator at 703-698-4464.
In This Section
- Introduction
- How it Works
- How Much Radiation?
- Heart Disease Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Screening
- Other Screening Services
