One of the most common questions I hear from patients is, “Do I need a heart scan?” It’s a fair question especially if you’ve experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, or just want peace of mind about your heart health.
So, let’s start with the basics. A heart scan is a test that creates images of your heart to check its structure and function. It helps identify problems such as narrowed arteries, heart muscle damage, or valve issues. There are different types of scans available, each suited to different concerns. I’ll walk you through what heart scans involve, whether they’re necessary, what symptoms to look out for, and who’s most at risk.
What Actually Is a Heart Scan?
The term “heart scan” can mean a few different things depending on what we’re trying to check. In most cases, we’re talking about one of these:
Echocardiogram – an ultrasound that looks at the structure and motion of the heart
CT Coronary Calcium Scan – checks for calcium deposits in your coronary arteries
CT Coronary Angiogram – looks for narrowed or blocked arteries using a special dye
Cardiac MRI – uses magnetic fields to give a detailed image of your heart muscle and blood flow
Nuclear Stress Test – uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to see how blood flows through your heart during exercise or stress
Each scan is designed to answer a different question. For example, a CT calcium scan gives us a score that reflects how much plaque has built up in your arteries. An echocardiogram shows how well your heart valves open and close. A cardiac MRI gives a high-definition view of scarring or inflammation.
What Does a Heart Scan Involve?
Most heart scans are non-invasive and take less than an hour. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect depending on the type of scan:
Scan Type | Preparation Needed | How It’s Done | Time | Radiation? |
Echocardiogram | None | Probe on chest with gel | 20–30 mins | No |
CT Calcium Scan | Avoid caffeine | Lie in scanner, hold breath | 10 mins | Yes (low dose) |
CT Angiogram | Fasting, IV contrast | Contrast injected via vein | 30 mins | Yes |
Cardiac MRI | Avoid metal | Lie in MRI machine | 45–60 mins | No |
Nuclear Stress Test | Fasting, walk/exercise | Tracer injection + treadmill | 2–4 hours | Yes (low dose) |
Most scans are painless. Some, like the CT angiogram or nuclear test, involve contrast dyes or a radioactive tracer but the exposure is generally considered safe and low risk.
Are There Any Side Effects?
For the vast majority of people, heart scans are safe. But there are some considerations:
Radiation exposure: CT scans and nuclear tests do involve radiation. It’s a small amount, but repeated exposure should be limited.
Contrast dye reactions: Some people may experience nausea or allergic reactions to contrast dye, but this is rare.
Claustrophobia: If you’re having a cardiac MRI, you’ll be in a confined space for up to an hour. If that’s a concern, we’ll talk it through beforehand.
Echocardiograms and MRIs don’t involve radiation, so they’re often preferred for younger patients or those needing frequent scans.
How Much Does a Heart Scan Cost?
The price of a heart scan varies depending on the type of test and whether it’s done through the NHS or privately.
Echocardiogram: £400–£1000 privately
CT Coronary Calcium Scan: £300–£600
CT Coronary Angiogram: £700–£1,200
Cardiac MRI: £800–£2,000
Nuclear Stress Test: £1,000–£2,500
If you go through the NHS, scans are free at the point of use but you may face waiting times of 2–8 weeks depending on urgency and availability.
Private tests offer faster access and flexibility, especially if you need a scan quickly or want a second opinion. Some insurance policies cover private cardiac scans, so it’s worth checking your policy.
Should I Go Through the NHS or Private?
This depends on how urgently you need the scan and your personal circumstances. The NHS is free but you will often by put onto a long waiting list.
Private care gives faster access, usually within a week. It’s a good option if:
You’re experiencing symptoms and don’t want to wait
You want extra reassurance after NHS treatment
You’re looking for a preventative scan without a GP referral
Wait times for your local NHS practice are long
At Heartsure, we often help patients with both pathways either advising them on how to request the right NHS referral or offering private scans where needed.
What Symptoms Should I Watch Out For?
There are key symptoms that could suggest an underlying heart issue:
Chest pain or tightness
Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Light-headedness or fainting
Unusual fatigue
Swelling in the legs or ankles
If you’re experiencing any of these, especially if they’re new or persistent, your GP or cardiologist may recommend a scan. A heart scan helps confirm whether the issue is due to the heart or something else.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Some people have a higher risk of developing heart problems and may benefit from early screening. These include:
People with high blood pressure
Those with high cholesterol
People with type 2 diabetes
Smokers or former smokers
Those with a family history of heart disease
Anyone with a high QRisk score
If you fall into any of these categories, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor about whether a heart scan is appropriate.
Do I Actually Need a Heart Scan?
Not everyone needs a heart scan but it can be an important tool if:
You have symptoms that suggest a heart issue
Your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high
You’ve had abnormal results from other tests (like ECG or blood tests)
You’re being monitored after a heart attack or heart surgery
You want to assess your risk proactively because of family history
In some cases, your doctor may start with a physical exam and ECG, then decide whether a scan is needed for more detail. If your symptoms are vague or intermittent, a scan can help give clarity and direction.
Final Thoughts
A heart scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps detect heart conditions early, monitor existing issues, or give peace of mind. There are different types, each with a specific purpose, and most are quick, painless and non-invasive. While some involve a small amount of radiation or contrast dye, the benefits usually outweigh the risks especially if you’re showing symptoms or fall into a higher-risk group.
At Heartsure, we offer guidance on whether a heart scan is the right step, and we help patients navigate private options. Whether you’re being proactive or need urgent assessment, a scan can provide important answers about your heart health. Get in touch with us here. You can also book online with us here.
If you're unsure whether a scan is right for you or you’ve been advised to get one and want a second opinion, we’re happy to talk things through and help you make the best decision for your health.
