How Often Should I Have a Heart Scan?
Heart scans are valuable tools for diagnosing and monitoring heart health, but not everyone needs one regularly. If you’ve been advised to have a heart scan, you might wonder how often it should be done and whether routine heart imaging is necessary. As someone who works with patients undergoing cardiac assessments, I understand the importance of balancing early detection with avoiding unnecessary tests.
I’ll explain what a heart scan is, who should consider having one, and how often it should be done based on individual health risks.
What Is a Heart Scan?
A heart scan refers to a range of imaging tests used to assess the structure and function of the heart. The type of scan you need will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and any underlying conditions.
Common Types of Heart Scans:
Echocardiogram (Echo) – An ultrasound that assesses heart chambers, valves, and overall function.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A test that records the heart’s electrical activity (not technically a scan but often used alongside imaging).
CT Coronary Angiogram – A detailed scan that checks for blockages in the coronary arteries.
Cardiac MRI – Provides high-resolution images of the heart’s structure and function.
Nuclear Stress Test – Assesses blood flow to the heart muscle using a small amount of radioactive material.
Each type of heart scan serves a different purpose, so how often you need one will depend on your individual heart health.
How Often Should You Have a Heart Scan?
Unlike routine blood pressure checks or cholesterol tests, heart scans are not usually done as a routine screening. They are typically recommended if you have symptoms, an existing condition, or significant risk factors.
1. If You Are Generally Healthy
If you have no symptoms and no known heart disease, routine heart scans are not necessary.
However, if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a strong family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend a heart scan every few years to check for early signs of heart problems.
Recommended Frequency: Only if advised by a doctor, typically every 5–10 years for those with mild risk factors.
2. If You Have Symptoms Such as Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath
If you experience chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, or dizziness, a heart scan may be needed to diagnose the cause.
A CT coronary angiogram or echocardiogram may be performed to check for narrowed arteries or structural heart problems.
If initial scans are clear but symptoms persist, follow-up scans may be needed every 1–3 years, depending on the findings.
Recommended Frequency: As needed based on symptoms.
3. If You Have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
For patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease, monitoring the condition is important.
A CT coronary angiogram or stress echocardiogram may be recommended every 1–2 years to assess any progression of artery narrowing.
If you’ve had a heart attack or stent procedure, follow-up scans may be scheduled more frequently at first, then spaced out over time.
Recommended Frequency: Every 1–2 years, or more frequently if symptoms worsen.
4. If You Have a Heart Valve Condition
Conditions such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation require ongoing monitoring.
A routine echocardiogram is often done every 6–12 months for moderate to severe valve disease.
For mild conditions, follow-up scans may only be needed every 2–3 years.
Recommended Frequency: Every 6 months to 3 years, depending on severity.
5. If You Have Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively.
Regular echocardiograms help assess how well the heart is functioning.
If heart failure is stable, an echocardiogram may be done annually.
If symptoms worsen, additional scans may be required more frequently.
Recommended Frequency: Every 6–12 months, depending on symptoms.
6. If You Have a Pacemaker or Implantable Device
Patients with pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), or cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) need regular check-ups.
Device function is typically checked every 6–12 months, and a heart scan may be done every 1–2 years if needed.
Recommended Frequency: Annually, or more often if issues arise.
Can You Have Too Many Heart Scans?
While heart scans are extremely useful, unnecessary imaging should be avoided. Some scans, such as CT coronary angiograms, involve radiation exposure, so they should only be done when there is a clear medical benefit.
Your doctor will assess whether repeat scans are needed based on your:
Symptoms – If you experience new or worsening symptoms, further scans may be required.
Previous Scan Results – If prior tests were normal, follow-up scans may not be needed for several years.
Risk Factors – People with multiple risk factors may require more frequent monitoring.
For more information on when heart scans are necessary, visit the British Heart Foundation.
How to Maintain Heart Health Between Scans
Even if your last heart scan was normal, it’s important to keep your heart healthy with proactive lifestyle choices.
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol – High levels can damage the heart.
Stay active – Regular exercise helps maintain heart function.
Follow a heart-healthy diet – Reduce salt, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
Manage stress levels – Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease.
Quit smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
For guidance on heart-healthy habits, visit the NHS heart health guide.
Conclusion
The frequency of heart scans depends on your individual health, risk factors, and symptoms. While routine scans are not necessary for everyone, they can be lifesaving for those with heart disease or symptoms.
If you are concerned about your heart health, or need to schedule a heart scan in Surrey, contact us here to book an appointment. At Heartsure, we provide comprehensive cardiac assessments, including ECGs, echocardiograms, and CT scans, ensuring you get the best possible care.
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