One of the most important steps you can take toward staying heart-healthy is getting a CT cardiac calcium screening – and Ballad Health is offering these screenings at numerous locations throughout the region for only $49.
A computerized tomography (CT) cardiac calcium screening is a simple, safe, quick and low-radiation way to find out your risk for coronary disease and sudden heart attack. Not everyone needs to take one, but many people should. See the list included below for risk factors that qualify you for a screening.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this screening, please follow up. It could be a lifesaver!
Important note about making an appointment
- In Tennessee, a physician order is not required to schedule this screening. To make an appointment, call 423.431.1709.
- In Virginia, a physician order is required to schedule this screening. Talk with your primary care provider to learn more. If you do not have a primary care provider, get established today by scheduling an appointment online at balladhealth.org/primarycare.
Screening criteria
You must have two or more of the risk factors listed below to qualify for a screening. However,
if you are under 40 years old, then you must have three or more risk factors to qualify. If you have a heart stent or history of prior bypass surgery, you do not qualify for the screening.
Risk factors include:
- Male, age 40+
- Female, age 40+
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Overweight
- Past or present smoker
- Physically inactive
Key things to know
- The screenings are available Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- They are offered at various hospital and imaging locations throughout the Appalachian Highlands.
- Cost of the exam is $49.
About the screening process
CT cardiac calcium screening is a noninvasive, five-minute procedure, where pictures are taken of your heart from outside the body.
- The test is performed using an ultra-fast CT scanner. During the scan, you’ll lie in the scanner wearing your clothes. You’ll hold your breath for just a few seconds, and you will not feel any pain.
- You may eat and drink prior to the screening.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time and bring a valid form of identification.
What happens after the screening
The results will be sent to your primary care physician or ordering provider. If you don’t have either, they will be sent to a clinician on Ballad Health’s Population Health team for review and follow-up.
Please note: While we strive to make preventive services easily accessible, a personal physician who is familiar with your unique health situation is best-suited to make recommendations for any preventive screens and associated follow-up. Please follow up with your primary care physician or ordering physician after any new testing.
Remember, taking this simple and low-cost screening could be a lifesaver!
