top of page

When Should I Get a Heart Scan?

Jun 11

4 min read

0

6

So, at What Point Should You Consider Getting a Heart Scan?


As a cardiologist, one of the most common questions I’m asked is: “When should I get a heart scan?” The answer isn’t always straightforward, but understanding when these tests are necessary can play a key role in preventing serious heart conditions. A heart scan can give us detailed information about how well your heart is functioning — and in some cases, it can even help us detect heart disease before symptoms appear.

I’ll explain what a heart scan is, when it might be recommended, and what to expect if your doctor advises you to have one.


What Is a Heart Scan?


A heart scan is a general term that refers to several types of imaging tests used to check the structure and function of your heart. Depending on what we’re looking for, a scan might involve ultrasound (as in an echocardiogram), CT scanning, or MRI. Each test has a specific purpose and gives us slightly different information.


Some of the most commonly used heart scans include:

  • Echocardiogram (Echo Test) – A non-invasive ultrasound that shows how the heart muscles and valves are working.

  • CT Coronary Calcium Scan – A type of CT scan that detects calcium deposits in your coronary arteries (an early sign of heart disease).

  • Cardiac MRI – Offers detailed images of the heart's structure, particularly useful in more complex conditions.

  • Stress Echo or Perfusion Scan – Assesses blood flow to the heart during physical stress or with medication.


When Should You Consider a Heart Scan?


Not everyone needs regular heart scans, but there are certain cases where it’s strongly recommended. If any of the following apply to you, your doctor may suggest having a scan.


1. You Have Symptoms of Heart Disease

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

These can all point to an underlying issue that a heart scan might help diagnose.


2. You Have High Risk Factors

You may not have any symptoms, but if you have several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, your GP or cardiologist might suggest a scan as a precaution. These risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • Family history of early heart disease

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Age over 55

Even if you feel well, a scan could help us identify early warning signs that would otherwise go unnoticed.


3. You’ve Had a Previous Cardiac Event

If you’ve already had a heart attack, stroke, or been diagnosed with a heart condition, follow-up imaging is often essential. It allows us to track how your heart is functioning and whether further treatment is needed.


4. You’re Preparing for Surgery

Some people need a heart scan before major surgery to check that their heart is healthy enough for anaesthesia and recovery. This is common before joint replacements, cancer surgery, or organ transplants.


5. You’ve Been Told You Have a Murmur or Irregular Rhythm

If a GP detects a heart murmur or irregular heartbeat during an examination, a scan can help us confirm the cause. Conditions like valve disease, atrial fibrillation, or cardiomyopathy are often identified this way.


How Often Should You Have a Heart Scan?


Unlike blood pressure checks or cholesterol tests, heart scans aren’t usually done regularly unless you have an existing heart condition or a very high risk.

For most people:

  • A baseline scan in your 40s or 50s may be recommended if you have risk factors.

  • If you’ve had a previous scan with abnormal results, follow-ups may be scheduled every 1–2 years.

  • If you're being monitored for a known condition (such as valve disease or heart failure), scans may be done more frequently.

  • If you've had recent changes in symptoms, your doctor may advise one even if you had a normal result in the past.

The decision is always based on clinical judgement — we don’t scan just for the sake of it, but when it’s needed, the results can be invaluable.


What Happens During a Heart Scan?


That depends on the type of scan. If you’re having a transthoracic echocardiogram, which is the most common type:

  • You’ll lie down on your left side with your chest exposed.

  • A technician applies a small amount of gel to your chest.

  • A handheld device (called a transducer) is moved across your chest to capture images.

  • You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change position.

  • The scan usually takes 20–30 minutes and is completely painless.

Other tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, may require a contrast dye or breath-holding, but are still generally very safe and well tolerated.



Is a Heart Scan Safe?


Yes — in nearly all cases. Echocardiograms use ultrasound, not radiation, so there’s no risk involved. CT scans do involve small doses of radiation, but these are kept to a minimum and are only recommended when the benefit outweighs any potential risk.

If you’re concerned about safety, speak to your doctor. We always choose the type of scan based on your needs and medical background.


Where Can I Get a Heart Scan?


Heart scans are widely available through the NHS and private healthcare providers across the UK. Through the NHS, you’ll need a referral from your GP, and waiting times vary by region. Private cardiology services offer shorter waiting times and a broader range of appointment options. See below average wait times on our instagram!



At Heartsure, we offer a full range of cardiac imaging services — including echocardiograms and stress tests — from our Surrey-based clinic. If you’re unsure whether you need a scan, we’re happy to talk through your concerns.


Final Thoughts


So, when should you get a heart scan? If you have symptoms, risk factors, a family history of heart disease, or simply want peace of mind — it’s worth having that conversation with your doctor. While not everyone needs routine heart imaging, the right scan at the right time can make a significant difference to your health.


Heart disease is often silent in its early stages, and heart scans allow us to pick up on changes before they become serious. Whether it’s your first scan or a follow-up, you’ll be taking a proactive step towards safeguarding your heart.


If you’d like to learn more about your heart health or book a scan privately, contact us here.

Jun 11

4 min read

0

6

Related Posts

bottom of page