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22/Sep/2025

Medical imaging has advanced well beyond mere X-rays, and extravagant machines are now available which can ideally view the inside of the body. One of the most beneficial tools for physicians today is the CT scan, which involves the use of contrast. They aid clinicians in identifying issues at the earliest stage within the different organs. The process is also quick, secure and far less threatening than most people would want to believe.

I am a healthcare specialist with experience in diagnostic imaging, where I have observed that explaining the CT scan with contrast helps patients understand the significance of this test. Contrast images bring out the details that are not visible in the normal scans. Through ViaScan, patients can undergo advanced CT services that integrate the latest technology and prioritise patient comfort. We will discuss the special qualities of contrast CT scans and when they may be prescribed to you.

What is a CT scan with contrast, and what is the difference between a traditional CT scan?

  • A CT scan with contrast is a CT scan of normal power, with added control.
  • Normal CT images are clear in showing bones and certain organs. 
  • The use of comparison resembles the use of bright paint, which makes blood vessels, organs, and tissues look so much more colourful and clearer. 
  • The contrasting agent is transported in your blood, and this gives us an indication of the regions that need to be checked. 
  • The contrast-enhanced procedure CT is much more detailed for the doctor as compared to a typical scan.

What is contrast dye made of, and how does it work?

Iodine, which is safe for most people, is commonly used as the contrast dye. It functions as a highlighter to your insides. Once injected, the dye spreads in the blood and results in special tissues appearing brighter in CT images. Iodine will absorb X-rays in a different way to increase the contrast of structures. The dye is filtered out by your kidneys like any other waste, in an approximate period of 24 hours. The ViaScan team controls the procedure to maintain quality and security.

When do doctors recommend a CT scan with contrast?

When physicians need to see blood vessels, detect infections, or examine soft tissues more clearly, they prescribe contrast. Frequent CT scans can be particularly useful for bones and certain organs, as contrast helps identify issues that would otherwise be difficult to detect.

 If your doctor suspects a problem with blood circulation, is looking for tumours, or simply wants to examine the inside of your kidneys, liver, or other organs, they will likely request a contrast scan. Contrast is frequently used to provide a complete picture of the heart, lungs, and wellness scans. ViaScan has experts who collaborate with your referring doctor to select the most appropriate imaging method to suit your needs and health issues.

What conditions can a CT scan with contrast help detect more clearly?

A CT scan enhanced with comparison allows you to see various health issues more clearly than a standard scan. 

  • It particularly works well in identifying blood clots, 
  • testing blood vessels,
  • identifying infections and the functionality of organs. 

Contrast is useful in helping doctors identify any obstructions in your blood vessels or veins, as well as issues with your kidneys, liver, or how blood circulates to various body parts. It also helps in preventive scans, which investigate your general health. ViaScan is a firm specialising in thorough body wellness scans that detect problems at their early stages, when they are most treatable. This capability to detect early on makes the contrast-enhanced CT scans useful in maintaining good health.  

Is a CT scan with contrast safer?

A contrast enhanced CT scan procedure is safely performed on most people, but your doctor will review your medical history first. They will especially take care of kidney functioning and allergies. Individuals who have specific kidney issues or allergies to iodine might require special preparation or the use of a different imaging procedure. 

Pregnant women tend to avoid contrast scans unless necessary. The contrast applied is computed depending on your body weight and the scan itself. Viascan offers great safety measures, with well-trained technologists monitoring you throughout the procedure. Most of the population will feel okay during and after the contrast-enhanced CT scan.

Where can I get my health scanning done?

In ViaScan, we do not just take pictures. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including heart scan, lung scan, and wellness body scans, to help prevent potential health complications. The preventative scanning is a strategy that empowers patients to manage their health by detecting issues at an early stage and following up.  

High-quality equipment and qualified medical workers guarantee that every contrast-enhanced CT scan will provide the comprehensive information that physicians require to make an accurate evaluation. We will ensure your comfort with the process by clarifying all our actions and addressing your concerns.  

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Conclusion

The attraction of knowing what a contrast-enhanced CT scan is all that, and eliminates the mystery and anxiety that are sometimes associated with medical practice. Such scans are an effective tool that enables the doctor to have an amazing view of the inside of your body with high clarity and detail. The contrast enhancement introduces important data in the proper diagnosis and treatment planning.  

The power is in knowledge as far as your health is concerned. As an active participant in your healthcare choices, you learn about such procedures as contrast-enhanced CT scans. The professional staff of ViaScan is ready to clarify any questions, and the person will also feel at ease in the whole process.


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21/Jul/2025

Time is of the essence when you have a heart to worry about! When you consult your doctor and are scheduled to get a Heart CT scan, you are likely to ask yourself how many hours of your day will be consumed. You said you are going to miss lunch? Can you fit it into your lunch hour? Are you free to clear your afternoon?

Being a qualified scanning expert, I receive these time-related questions daily. Customers prefer to know clearly what they will be signing up for, and frankly, that is good planning! A heart scan may appear to you to be something never-ending; however, the truth of the matter is more thrilling than what you can imagine.

The heart scanning of today is fast, convenient, and designed to suit your hectic lifestyle with minimal interruptions. Let us break down what you can really expect!

What is the Time Taken for The Heart CT Scan?

And here is the most amazing moment: most people would be surprised to learn that the actual heart CT scan itself can take only 10 to 15 minutes. 

Throughout those several seconds, you will lie on a comfortable table with everything still as the CT scanner will rotate about you and take hundreds of detailed images of your heart. The machine is fast enough to capture clear pictures between heartbeats, which is quite amazing when one takes a second to consider this.

In some cases, when your heartbeats are quick or irregular, it may take 20 minutes to scan, which is incredibly fast. The scanner has become so advanced that, intelligently, it can operate in sync with your heartbeat, allowing it to capture perfect pictures once.

The point is to remain quite stationary in those seconds. Consider it a very significant photograph; you want to be as still as possible so that the image turns out to be as clear as possible.

How long should a customer’s overall visit last?

Although the actual scanning itself is extremely rapid, you will spend between 30 minutes and an hour at the facility. This consists of the total time of preparation, which is equally important as the actual scan.

Upon arrival, you will need to complete some paperwork and allow 10 to 15 minutes for check-in. Next, you will be transferred into a comfortable hospital gown, a process that will take approximately five minutes. The technologist will discuss the procedure and address any questions you may have about it.

If you require the use of contrast dye, you may need an additional 10 to 15 minutes to prepare. The staff will also place certain monitoring electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm during the scan.

Once you have completed your “heart scan,” you will take a couple of minutes to dress and then be given basic instructions regarding your results. Most of the facilities are highly efficient, and your time is respected; therefore, they maintain a steady pace.

My advice? Allow for an hour in total and carry a good book or download a podcast in case of a minor delay.

Is the heart scan time-consuming with Contrast Dye?

Great question! Taking contrast dye does take some time from your appointment, but not if you believe. The contrast dye helps produce ultra-clear and detailed images of your heart and blood vessels, much like high-definition television does for regular tv.

An additional 15-20 minutes should be allowed when contrast dye is required. This will consider the time needed for a technologist to insert a small line into your arm using an IV, a procedure that lasts approximately one to two minutes and involves a slight pinch.

The contrast injection occurs immediately prior to your scan and usually requires no more than 30 seconds. You may experience a warm feeling that runs through your body – it is perfectly normal and, in fact, an indication that the contrast is working just as it should.

Once the scan is complete, you will lie down for approximately 10 minutes as the medical staff ensures you are in a stable condition before you leave. There is concern among some people about side effects; however, serious reactions are extremely rare with newer contrast materials.

The fortunate part is that the actual heart CT scan is no longer necessary due to the use of contrast; the 10 to 15 seconds it takes to scan the body part is still extremely fast.

Do I Immediately Get the Results After the Scan?

This is the most frequently asked question, and I completely understand the reasons why you would want to have the answers at hand. Although the scanning process is incredibly fast, it simply takes a little longer to get your total results, as precision is crucial when it comes to your heart.

All the pictures from your so-called heart scan will also be thoroughly studied by a specialised radiologist (read: a physician highly qualified in interpreting medical images). The elaborate review would typically require 24-48 hours, as they would scan hundreds of pictures to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Yet, in case something requires attention, the radiologist will call your doctor immediately, e.g. even when you are still in the scanning centre. The emergency findings are dealt with urgently; therefore, you never think of delays when something important is at stake.

Depending on the specifics of your doctor’s request, especially in certain parts of scanning centres, the preliminary results can be provided on the same day. The findings will then be discussed with you by your doctor, who will clarify them regarding your health status.

You will receive a follow-up in most places within a few days, or they may have an online patient portal where results are available.

What can I expect in Recovery?

Yet another piece of good news is that there is practically no recovery period or time required after a heart CT scan. Because it is a non-invasive process (that is, nothing is put inside your body, except that the milk chocolate and marble chocolate might remain outside of your body by dint of your IV and your stomach), you are able to resume all your usual activities immediately.

If you received contrast dye, you may be advised to drink additional water throughout the day to aid the absorption process, but this is the most specific advice that most people receive.

You can drive home, return to work, exercise, eat normally, and do what you usually do. One can perform any activity without limitation following a heart CT scan.

Others are slightly nervous after waiting to get their results, and this is normal. It is essential to remember that no news is typically good news; however, if you have any updates to share, please contact your medical team immediately.

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Conclusion

Receiving a heart CT scan should not be the event that affects your whole day or makes you stressed over time. When it takes only 10 to 15 seconds of real scanning time and the total time is approximately an hour to gather a wealth of information regarding your heart’s health, it is among the most effective time-saving methods to find out in detail about your heart health.

At ViaScan, we appreciate your busy life, and we will serve you well through efficiency and quality in our heart scanning services. When it comes to protecting your heart, you cannot afford to lose any moment (and that’s why we make sure these moments are worth spending)


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28/Apr/2025

Overview

This blog explores what is considered a dangerous heart rate for a woman, how heart rates differ between men and women, age-related changes, and the impact of lifestyle and hormonal factors. Learn how to recognize warning signs, understand what your heart rate is telling you, and when to seek medical care from cardiac specialists like ViaScan.

Introduction

A fist-sized powerhouse beating 100,000 times a day, the heart drives life-sustaining blood throughout our bodies. However, how many of us really comprehend exactly what our heart rate is saying about women’s health in particular?

So, what is considered a normal heart rate for a woman versus a dangerous one? When should it result in a call to your doctor? What about a person’s age, fitness level, and hormonal changes, and whether these are suitable?

We will go through everything you need to know about women’s heart rates, from understanding the numbers to recognising warning signs that must not be neglected.

What Is Considered a Normal Heart Rate for a Woman?

At rest, the normal woman’s heart rate tends to be anywhere from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). This is what is known as your resting heart rate, the pulse you would get when you are not just relaxed but also sitting or lying down, and not having just done a piece of exercise.

While it is known that women tend to have higher resting heart rates than men, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women have slightly faster baseline heart rates than men.

What are some factors affecting normal heart rate?

Age-Related Variations

Your normal heart rate changes throughout your lifespan:

Age Group Average Resting Heart Rate (bpm)
Newborns 100-160
Infants 90-150
Children (1-10) 70-120
Adolescents 60-100
Adult women 60-100
Senior women (65+) 60-100 (may trend lower)

 

Fitness and Heart Rate

Physical fitness significantly impacts resting heart rate. Well-conditioned female athletes generally have resting heart rates between 40 and 60 bpm since their hearts are strong and efficient. This is a sign of cardiovascular health in this population, and it would not be concerning if this were at a lower rate in less athletic individuals.

When Does a Heart Rate Become Dangerous for Women?

Usually, there are two categories of dangerous heart rate for women: tachycardia (too fast) and bradycardia (too slow).

Tachycardia: When Fast Becomes Dangerous

Tachycardia is the condition of having a heart rate above 100 bpm at rest. Research published in the European Heart Journal found that persistent tachycardia can be notably concerning in women since such arrhythmia may be suggestive of underlying conditions that plague women more widely, such as thyroid disorders or specific types of structural heart disease (Magnani et al., 2018)

 https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy057

Types of tachycardia include:

Sinus tachycardia: A nodal heart rate rise from the sinoatrial node (natural pacemaker of the heart).

  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A tachycardia in which the origin is above the ventricles.
  • Ventricular tachycardia: Rapid heartbeat that is dangerous to the ventricles

Irregular and often rapid heart rate that increases stroke risk; At this point, it is called atrial fibrillation

Look out for any of these warning signs that your fast heart may be dangerous.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Fainting or near-fainting episodes
  • Palpitations that do not stop when you are still, as your resting heart rate should.

Bradycardia: When Slow Signals Trouble

Bradycardia refers to a resting heart rate below 60 bpm. This is normal for athletes or when sleeping, but can be dangerous if it occurs along with symptoms or under other circumstances.

Concerning symptoms of bradycardia include:

  • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Fainting spells
  • Shortness of breath

How Do Hormones Affect a Woman’s Heart Rate?

The heart rate changes differently in a female body due to unique hormonal fluctuations in the female body.

Menstrual Cycle Effects

Many studies show that heart rate variability differs with the menstrual cycle. Rates typically increase during the luteal phase, days 14-28, versus the follicular phase, days 1-13. 

Pregnancy and Heart Rate

The American Heart Association says a woman’s normal heart rate usually goes up by 10–20 beats per minute while pregnant. This increased cardiac output supports the development of the fetus. This elevation is normal but not dangerous unless something concerning accompanies it.

Menopause Transition

Perimenopause and menopause are accompanied by hormonal shifts, which result in palpitations and episodes of tachycardia. Research in the journal Menopause has indicated that 40% of women reported heart palpitations during this life transition (Thurston et al., 2016)

 https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e31823fe835).

How Do Temporary Dangerous Heart Rates Occur?

Temporary changes in heart rate, rises and drops, can result from several potentially dangerous situations.

  • Rapid heart rate can occur due to dehydration as your body works to maintain blood pressure.
  • Fever: The increase in heart rate per given degree (F) of fever is about 10 bpm.
  • Certain medications affect the heart rate significantly: Some, including cold and allergy preparations, can reduce it, and in some cases, drastically so
  • Acute anxiety or panic attacks: These can lead to heart rates going up to 160 to 180 bpm
  • Also, stimulant use: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, etc., can dangerously elevate heart rate.

Even brief episodes of extreme heart rate elevation are linked to a higher risk of cardiac events in women.  

How to Measure Your Heart Rate Effectively?

A considerable amount of progress has been made in self-monitoring heart rate:

Manual Pulse Checking

The radial pulse or carotid pulse is located by placing your index and middle finger on your wrist where the pulse is just above your palm or on your neck, near your throat.

  • Count the beats for 15 seconds.
  • Multiply by 4 to arrive at the beats per minute.

Technology-Assisted Monitoring

  • Fitness trackers and smartwatches
  • Home blood pressure monitors with pulse reading
  • Dedicated heart rate monitoring apps
  • Consumer ECG devices

When to Record Your Heart Rate?

  • Morning (resting rate before activity)
  • During and after exercise
  • When experiencing symptoms
  • Tracking for your doctor is the same time every day.

When Should I See a Doctor About My Heart Rate?

See a doctor if you have:

  • Sustained resting heart rate above 120 bpm or below 50 bpm (except for the athlete)
  • Irregular heart rhythms, especially with symptoms
  • Not a correct increase in both exercise and resting heart rate.
  • Returning to normal heart rate after exercise in more than 10 minutes
  • Chest pain along with shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, regardless of the normal heart rate.

If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate an underlying cardiac issue that requires prompt evaluation. In many cases, undergoing a professional heart scan can provide detailed insights into your heart’s health and catch early signs of disease before symptoms become severe.

Knowing what is considered too high or too low of a heart rate for women empowers you to take proactive steps to protect your heart. Monitoring your heart rate regularly, understanding your normal range, and responding to unusual changes can lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment.

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    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion:

Your heart rate is a barometer and an early warning about how fit your general health is. The numbers certainly matter, but the most useful ones come with the other pieces of data: your age, fitness level, hormonal status, and possibly any of the symptoms you might be suffering from.

From checking your heart health or if you have been experiencing worrisome signs, you can always speak to your healthcare provider or cardiac experts, such as ViaScan, who provide advanced cardiac testing and individual risk assessment.  Every minute of every day, your heart works fast for you without stopping. An investment of time spent to understand its language is a boon for your long-term health.


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17/Mar/2025

Getting a recommendation from your doctor for requiring a chest CT scan generates both worries and uncertainty. Modern medicine uses this enhanced imaging technology to combine X-ray data measured from various directions to create detailed body section images. Your lungs, together with heart tissue and vascular structures and airways alongside chest bones, get shown in detailed 3D images through a CT scan despite basic chest X-rays providing only two-dimensional pictures. Advanced imaging systems let doctors recognize different medical issues that otherwise would stay undetectable and unclear. The reason for taking this test, as described by your doctor, will help reduce your concern and prepare you for the next steps. This piece examines the typical circumstances that trigger physicians to conduct chest CT scans in addition to explaining the scan findings and alternate imaging approaches and the essential patient requirements before the procedure.

What Medical Conditions Can a Chest CT Scan Diagnose?

The CT scan technology of the chest turns into an essential diagnostic instrument for healthcare practitioners to examine various thoracic region issues. A few millimeter lung nodules can be detected by CT scans, thereby enabling prompt diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. Chest CT scanners prove highly effective in pneumonia diagnosis, particularly when standard X-rays produce unclear results to detect bronchiectasis, in addition to their ability to assess interstitial lung diseases leading to pulmonary fibrosis.

Coronary CT angiography is a heart scanning method used to evaluate coronary artery disease through analysis of heart blood vessels. It performs multiple diagnostics by showing vascular blockages in coronary arteries, measuring heart chamber dimensions and heart function, and checking the aorta status for aneurysms and dissections.

How Does a Chest CT Scan Compare to Other Imaging Options?

Three main factors, the suspected medical condition, the need for detail, and the degree of risk to patients from radiation exposure determine physicians’ choices for an imaging test. Laura Marie Fayad explains that there are differences in imaging tests. Understanding the distinctions between an MRI, CT scan, and X-ray will help you and your doctor decide which imaging modality is best for you. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are diagnostic procedures that let medical professionals view the body’s internal components. 

Standard X-rays and CT scans provide better picture quality than ordinary radiology, with separate body section images without overlapping caused by standard procedure radiology. CT imaging offers superior gate viewing capability for inspection of small to moderate body structures, especially of the mediastinum.

What Should Patients Know Before Undergoing a Chest CT Scan?

Depending on the procedure selected and whether a specific chest CT scan includes contrast agents, there are different requirements for the chest CT scan. The main preparation step for patients who wish to get non-contrast scans is to remove only metal objects within the scan area. Patients must fast for some hours before contrast-enhanced studies and testing of kidney function might be done since contrast agents leak through the kidneys during elimination.

Iodine allergy needs to be notified to all healthcare providers by all patients, and patients must disclose their use of substances used in previous image procedures, too. Before experiencing treatment, previous reaction patients may be given premedication treatment containing antihistamines with steroids to minimize their chance of reaction. This is because radiation can harm developing fetuses, and patients need to come out about their pregnancy condition.

When Might a Doctor Order Follow-Up Chest CT Scans?

Follow-up imaging is an important central tool for assessing several chest conditions through specific time-based diagnostic-related timing protocols and clinical framework protocols used by healthcare providers. Regular CT scan imaging for cancer patients measures tumor changes such as dimensions and characteristics, and therefore, CT scan imaging determines treatment outcomes.
 After treatment, the medical team uses decreasing surveillance checks over the years in case there are signs of recurrence or metastasis. CT imaging, in combination, allows a medical practitioner to see any complications of thoracic surgeries and how the thoracic cavity processes healing following any thoracic surgery. Cardiac procedures require heart scan follow-ups to check the results of procedures and to diagnose stenosis following procedures, stent restenosis, or bypass graft failure.

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    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Conclusion

In addition to detailed visualization of lungs, heart, and blood vessels as well as surrounding anatomical features, chest CT scans are also effective in diagnosing. The combination of innovative modern CT technology and the use of radiation reduction protocols provides the implementation of modern CT technology through ViaScan. Their cardiac calcium scoring and coronary CT angiography programs involve the heart scanning capabilities of these programs, which can provide detailed results for detecting cardiovascular diseases at the initial stages and in the stage when treatments are proving most successful, just before the symptoms become evident.


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13/Aug/2024

A heart scan can determine your risk for heart disease at an early stage. It is an excellent way to monitor your health if you are worried about the condition of your heart. More specifically, a coronary calcium scan is a non-invasive procedure that quantifies the calcium content in the coronary artery walls. This calcium level might serve as a marker for atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease (CAD). This blog discusses the significance of coronary calcium scans. You can also explore other information regarding heart scans.

Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover Coronary Calcium Scan?

This is one of the most common questions asked by several individuals. The most important factor is that coronary calcium scans are more often seen as preventative than diagnostic by many insurance providers. The test is commonly considered an optional procedure since its main purpose is to assess the risk of future heart disease rather than to identify a current issue. Experts agree that coverage should be mandatory since the test may save lives by identifying those at risk at an early stage. If you are worried about the cost, you can check with your insurance carrier to see whether or not they give any coverage or discounts for preventative heart health exams.

How Long Does a Heart CT Scan Take? 

It usually takes less than 10 minutes to actually scan the heart. However, it may take around 30 to 60 minutes for the whole session, which includes preparation and consultation after the scan. The patient lies on a table that slides into a computerized tomography (CT) scanner. This captures high-resolution pictures of the patient’s heart. The process is not painful and involves just a short period of time. It is basically an option that is valuable for those who have some busy schedules.

What is the Treatment for a High Calcium Score?

You are more likely to have coronary artery disease and a high risk of heart attack if your coronary calcium scan indicates a high calcium score. The criteria from the calcium score guidelines assist medical professionals in determining the most appropriate course of action for you. In most cases, treatment consists of making changes to one’s lifestyle as well as taking medicine to control risk factors. A review of typical remedies is presented here:

  • Lifestyle Changes:

Important actions include adopting a diet that is good for the heart. You can increase the amount of physical exercise you get, give up smoking, and learn to manage your stress.

  • Medications:

Doctors may give you cholesterol-lowering medications to lower your cholesterol, aspirin to reduce the likelihood of blood clots, or other medicines to keep your blood pressure in balance.

  • Further Testing:

Further evaluation of the heart’s health may need the use of imaging techniques such as angiograms or stress testing.

It is vital to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare practitioner in order to assess your progress. You can also make any required modifications to the treatment plan that you have been following.

Why No Caffeine Before Calcium Scoring?

The findings of the heart scan may be affected by caffeine. This is because your heart rate and blood pressure may both rise as a consequence of caffeine use, which may have an impact on the outcomes of the scan. For the best assessment of your coronary calcium levels, it is ideal to maintain a state of complete cardiac relaxation. It is generally advised that you refrain from caffeine for a minimum of twelve hours before the examination.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

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    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

Where to Get a Coronary Calcium Scan Near Me?

Via Scan of Las Colinas is one of the best options to choose from a list of medical centers for heart scans. We have exceptional equipment based on advanced technology to assess any anomalies in your body. Our professional staff is competent enough to deliver you excellent services based on the calcium score guidelines. We strictly follow the rules and regulations of scanning techniques to help you get the most accurate and clear results. Our assessing tools are up to the mark. We also provide consultations regarding any health problems. Our qualified team is available 24/7 to help you.


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01/Feb/2024

In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the top reason for death for both men and women. Heart disease claims the lives of tens of thousands of Americans annually, or one in every four fatalities. It can save lives to recognize the early symptoms and indications that may appear in the days and weeks that follow before a heart attack. This post will discuss six indicators that could point to a heart attack as soon as next month.

February is Heart Month – Heart attacks are preventable – we don’t have a treatment problem. We have an identification problem – doctors rely on tests that guess or only discover heart disease at very advanced stages; secondly, people wait until it’s too late – as an unexpected heart attack in a seemingly healthy person is frequently the first & only symptom indicative of a heart problem!

ViaScan’s advanced technology and early identification capabilities, you can pave the way for a long and healthy life – a winning strategy for healthy longevity. What’s more, ViaScan offers the most affordable preventive scan package in North Texas, combining life-saving preventive heart and body scans for early cancer detection at just $695 – a price that has remained unchanged since 2001. With ViaScan’s commitment to low-cost, high-tech preventive health, you won’t find a better deal anywhere else. If you find an advertised heart and body scan for less than $695, ViaScan guarantees to match the price and further reduce it by an additional $100. Take advantage of ViaScan’s low-cost guarantee and prioritize your health today.

How Long Can You Have Symptoms Before a Heart Attack?

Signs before a heart attack can indeed start to show up weeks or even months in advance of a heart attack. A calcium test for heart or a heart scan for blockage remains the best option for getting an insight into your heart’s health. Discomfort or pain in the chest is the most prevalent early warning indicator. This could have an aching, burning, or constricted feeling. Instead of being steady, the pain could come and go. Anywhere in the chest can experience it, and occasionally, it spreads to the arms, neck region, jawline, or spine. Chest pain should be assessed by a physician immediately if it lasts more than five minutes or disappears for a while before returning.

Many other minor symptoms can appear weeks or months before a heart attack, such as tiredness, shivering, indigestion, loss of breath, and nausea. Observe any new or aggravated symptoms and talk to your doctor about them. If a cardiac event does happen, the sooner it is treated, the better.

How Long Does Your Body Warn You Before a Heart Attack?

According to experts, your system may give signs for days or even up to a month before a cardiac event actually occurs. The length and intensity of the initial symptoms, however, differ greatly between individuals. Days or weeks before a heart attack, certain individuals endure excruciating chest pressure and agony that brings them to the hospital for treatment. Some may only have minor symptoms, such as exhaustion or loss of breath, which they blame on other factors like aging or being overweight.

It’s critical to identify early warning indicators and not ignore them. It is important to assess prodromal heart attack symptoms as soon as possible, regardless of how sporadic or mild they are. Once a heart attack actually happens, calling 911 or receiving immediate medical assistance if symptoms last longer than five minutes may prevent death or irreversible heart damage. Your doctor should be informed of any new or worrisome symptoms so they can look for any latent heart problems.

How Long Can a Woman Have Symptoms Before a Heart Attack?

According to studies, women are more inclined than males to exhibit early warning indicators in the days, weeks, or months prior to suffering a heart attack. For women, the most typical symptoms include anxiety, dyspepsia, shortness of breath, unusual weariness, and sleep difficulties. uncommonly signs of a heart attack such back pain, jaw discomfort, or nausea without sensations of pressure in the chest are also more common in women.

Women may have signs of coronary artery disease weeks in advance due to more subdued symptoms. A lot of the time, warning indicators are written off as stress, aging, or other medical issues. Women are also more likely to put off getting medical attention, which can worsen heart problems. It’s critical that women do not minimize symptoms that linger or flare up occasionally. Seek assistance if something seems strange.

What Happens Before a Heart Attack?

Deposits of fatty substances or calcium called plaque can burst within the blood vessels surrounding the heart in the few days preceding a heart attack. The resulting blood clot obstructs the cardiovascular muscle’s blood supply. The heart becomes damaged and weaker due to the limited blood supply. However, before a full-blown heart attack, the heart may convey warning signals about this occurring.

A heart attack could occur as follows:

  • Especially when exerting oneself, chest pain, pressure, tightness, hurting, or burning
  • Breathing problems and shortness of breath, particularly while active
  • arm, back, neck, or jaw pain that radiates.
  • light-headedness and nausea
  • exhaustion, lassitude, and dizziness
  • irregular pulse or palpitations in the heart
  • Sweating and clamminess are symptoms similar to the flu.
  • Stress or sleeplessness. 

Even if these symptoms seem minor, get medical attention immediately if any of them appear. It is advised to call the Emergency number if symptoms last longer than five minutes. Treating warning symptoms promptly can stop a heart attack or significantly lessen cardiac damage with a heart attack screening.

Choose Our Preventive Heart Scan

Early Detection Saves Lives!

    • Accurate
    • Quick Result
    • Affordable

 

Conclusion

Knowing the warning signals of a heart attack weeks or even months in advance may save your life. The most typical symptoms of a blockage denying the heart oxygen are chest tightness and pain, but other symptoms include nausea, sweat, exhaustion, and shortness of breath. Women are more likely than males to notice early warning indicators. If a worrying symptom persists for over five minutes, immediately dial the emergency number immediately. Talk to your doctor about screening methods and risk factors. Early detection of symptoms allows doctors to reduce heart damage or stop heart attacks with drugs or other treatments. It is essential to pay attention to your body’s indicators as it can prevent you from joining the alarming statistics of coronary artery disease.

ViaScan provides heart scans for blockage detection and sophisticated cardiac screening testing. Plaque accumulation can be found with our coronary calcium scan and calcium test for heart disease before it bursts and results in a heart attack. Heart attack prevention and screening services from ViaScan are cutting-edge and offer vital information to prevent heart attacks before they happen. To learn more about our cardiac screening test alternatives and how we can assist you in taking charge of your heart health, contact us. 


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30/Jan/2024

One in four deaths in the US each year is caused by heart disease, which is the most prevalent cause of death for both men and women. Given these numbers, it makes sense that more individuals participate in preventative cardiovascular screenings. Preventing cardiac disease before it turns fatal is essential.

A preventive heart scan is an imaging examination that can identify accumulations of calcium in artery walls. It is also frequently called a heart scan for blockage or a cardiac screening test. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is the calcium accumulation that indicates the beginning of plaque development in the arteries that encircle the heart muscle. Eventually, the accumulation of plaque can restrict the blood vessels and raise the risk of cardiac arrest and stroke.

Typically referred to as a calcium test for heart or coronary calcium scan, the most popular kind of heart scan utilized for preventive screening. This scan produces finely detailed three-dimensional pictures of the cardiovascular system using computed tomography (CT). A score is assigned to the amount of calcium found, representing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and the quantity of buildup present.

This Valentine Take Care of Your Heart Before Giving It Away:

It’s crucial to pay attention to your own heart health this February as people get ready to gift their hearts to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Before you give your heart to someone else, have it scanned and examined to make sure it’s in good shape and beating right. In addition to showing your significant other love this Valentine’s Day, take care of your own heart by taking preventative measures such as scheduling a checkup or heart scan. You can love completely when your heart is healthy. By taking precautions now, you can continue to give love generously for many years to come.

What Does a Heart Scan Show?

Results from a heart scan reveal any calcium deposits that have accumulated in the coronary artery walls. The computerized images of calcified plaque show a dazzling white appearance. Greater deposits of calcium build up and an elevated calcium level indicates an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

In particular, a cardiac scan can show:

  • Presence of calcified deposits: The scan will identify specific arteries exhibiting plaque accumulation. This aids in identifying the cardiac regions that might be hazardously constricted or obstructed.
  • Plaque quantity: Radiologists can see the exact amount of calcification in the coronary arteries due to the complete illustrations. A higher risk is associated with more plaque.
  • Calcium score: Depending on the quantity of plaque that has calcification found, a numerical score is determined using a non-clustrophobic Stark Trek scanner, which gives you a detailed analysis of the heart and its vascular system. This has a range of 0.7 mm to stage 0.
  • Years before symptoms appear, heart attack screening with a coronary calcium scan can assist in estimating the risk of a heart attack by identifying coronary plaque accumulation early.

This gives patients critical time to modify their lifestyle and use nutrition, exercise, and prescription to manage cholesterol.

What is a Calcium Test for the Heart?

A CT scan that finds and quantifies calcium deposits in the arteries supplying blood to the heart is a calcium test for the heart, also known as a coronary calcium scan. X-rays are used in this non-invasive diagnostic to look for arterial disease symptoms.

Years earlier, a cardiac event happens, and calcified plaque builds up in the arteries. Even without symptoms, a calcium test can be used as a preventative measure to identify plaque accumulation and an elevated risk of heart disease. The Calcium score is determined by the quantity of coronary calcium seen on the imaging. The likelihood of a cardiac attack increases with increasing calcium score, which indicates the number of deposits.

A cardiac calcium test doesn’t require any prior planning or administering medication, and it can be completed in as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Since it exposes clients to less electromagnetic radiation  than most other X-ray methods, it is also considered extremely safe.

What is Preventive Heart Screening?

 Heart exams that identify early indicators of heart disease in individuals without cardiac symptoms are preventive heart screenings. Their goal is to detect heart-related problems and hazards years before a heart attack or stroke.

Preventive heart screening tests come in a variety of forms, including:

Coronary calcium scan: This type of CT imaging is used to find calcium deposits within the arteries that supply the heart and can identify the risk of coronary artery disease years before a cardiac incident.

Carotid ultrasound: Examines the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the brain, for the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque can forecast the risk of stroke.

Cardiac CT angiography: This procedure looks for narrowing and blockages in the arteries that supply the heart using intravascular dye and CT imaging.

Preventive screening has the benefit of identifying cardiac disease in its early stages when therapy and lifestyle modifications can still significantly impact overall health. With the help of these tests, patients may be able to lower their chances before heart damage happens.

How Much Does a Heart Scan Cost?

A coronary calcium scan typically costs thousands of dollars out of pocket.  Generally speaking, private imaging institutes are more expensive than hospitals.

Preventive cardiac scans are covered differently by health insurance companies. Medicare does not cover them, although certain private insurers may entirely or partially cover high-risk patients. Before having a heart scan, determine whether these exams are part of your plan from your provider.

Lifesaving Heart Scans on a Budget with ViaScan of Las Colinas

For just $695 all-in, ViaScan’s preventative heart and wellness scan package is the cheapest early detection diagnostic choice available in North Texas and has been around since 2001. The best part about it is the low-cost, technologically advanced dedication to preventative health offered by ViaScan, unmatched by anything else. Low-cost dedication to giving people access to potentially lifesaving technology is unmatched by any other scanning facility. Customers who purchase from them are guaranteed a further $100 discount if a competitor offers scanning prices less than $695. ViaScan of Las Colinas is setting the standard for cutting-edge, preventive healthcare by lowering the cost of cardiac screenings to the general public.

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How to Screen for Heart Disease?

Early detection of cardiac disease, before any overt symptoms appear, can literally save lives. The following are a few popular methods to look for undiagnosed cardiovascular problems:

  • The most accurate method for detecting coronary plaque accumulation long before a heart attack is a coronary calcium scan or cardiac screening for the heart, which can begin for men at age 45 and women at age 55.
  • Ankle-brachial index: This test looks for peripheral artery disease by comparing the blood flow in the arms and ankles.
  • Cardiac CT angiogram: This procedure looks for blockages and constriction in the coronary arteries using dye and CT imaging.
  • Pressure evaluation: Checks for abnormal cardiac rhythms or blood circulation issues in the heart under pressure and during rest.

What is Included in a Cardiovascular Screening?

A thorough cardiovascular screening uses several procedures to look for disease-related indicators that may be hidden while examining the circulatory system and blood vessels. It might consist of:

  • Medical history evaluation: a detailed analysis of risk variables such as cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, past medical history, and more.
  • Assessing vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), and other essential variables.
  • A CT scan called a coronary calcium scan is used to find potentially harmful accumulations of calcium in the heart’s artery walls.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test looks for abnormalities by tracking the electrical activity and cardiac rhythm.

By providing a multifaceted update on cardiovascular health, screening makes it possible to identify and treat problems before they cause harm.

Why Get a Heart Scan?

Consideration should be given to preventative cardiac screening using a heart scan for several reasons.

  1. Your family history, elevated cholesterol levels, overweight or obese status, and other indicators of risk call for further investigation.
  2. Heart palpitations and chest pain are warning signs that you have experienced cardiac symptoms.
  3. If you have experienced a prior cardiac event. Following a heart attack or stroke, monitoring becomes extremely important.
  4. You are middle-aged or above – People in their forties and fifties typically begin to accumulate plaque.
  5. For Peace of Mind: Knowing that you no longer have plaque in your arteries is reassuring and inspiring.

Compared to other heart exams like stress testing or angiography, the coronary calcium scan makes it possible to identify problems considerably earlier. Knowing this in advance allows you to take the necessary precautions before heart damage. 

Conclusion

Doctors can check for cardiovascular disease earlier if a fatal cardiovascular event happens by using procedures such as coronary calcium scans. These scans are not regularly done, but if you have cardiac risk factors, they serve as an essential early warning system. The costs and radiation exposure are negligible compared to the benefits of saving lives. Preventive cardiovascular screening allows you to take measures with pharmaceuticals and dietary modifications by identifying plaque development while it’s still curable. To assist protect your heart health in the long run, ask your doctor if heart scans are necessary.