01/20/2025 | News release | Archived content
Maintaining the health of your heart becomes increasingly important as you age. Understanding how your heart may be changing and how to monitor those changes can impact both longevity and quality of life. One of the tools doctors use to keep a close eye on heart health is the CT scan.
A cardiac CT scan, specifically known as computed tomography angiography, is a specialized type of scan focused on the heart and its blood vessels. This non-invasive procedure is particularly useful in detecting blockages or abnormalities in the coronary arteries - frequent culprits of heart disease.
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, many health professionals recommend that individuals over 40 - especially those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease - consider a CT scan. That decision should always be made in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
Potential benefits of a CT scan include:
The aging process is inevitable, but thanks to tests like CT scans, monitoring heart health is more accessible and effective. Regular cardiac imaging for those at risk can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for those with heart disease.