Heart Scan in Newport Beach, Orange County

Heart scans are MRI or Computed Tomography (CT) scans that are specialized to look at the heart. Heart scans are usually performed with computed tomography because of better resolution (the ability to see small structures) and the ability to determine a calcium score. Your physician may request a cardiac MRI exam in certain situations. At Advanced Imaging Newport Coast, we feature the 64-slice Toshiba Aquiliion scanner. This CT scanner uses the highest CT scan technology currently available, and allows our staff to generate high quality images that provide useful clinical information for you and your physician.

There are three main components to a heart scan:

A heart scan can be used to determine a "calcium score." A calcium score refers to the amount of calcium that has accumulated in the coronary arteries. A calcium score provides information on coronary risk, and should be used in conjunction with other risk factors.
Secondly, a heart scan can look at the overall structure of the heart, including the valves and chambers of the heart, as well as heart function.
Finally, modern heart scanners are capable of looking directly at the coronary arteries, a process also known as "CT Angiography." For more information, please see our page on CT Angiography.

The fact that the term "heart scan" refers to three different areas may be a source of some confusion. You should speak with your physician if you have any question regarding the type of heart scan that you need.


	Home \| Imaging Services \| Patient Info \| For Physicians \| Radiologists and Staff \| Contact Us \| Sitemap