Imaging & Radiology
Our Imaging & Radiology department offers a wide range of essential diagnostic and specialty screening services using advanced imaging technology.
Our Services
Our imaging systems are designed to promote patient comfort and safety and to deliver precise imaging with significantly lower levels of radiation than that of traditional imaging methods. The most remarkable technology is only valuable when it's in the hands of skilled staff and physician specialists. All radiologists at Longmont United Hospital are fellowship trained and all technologists have the highest accreditation.
Calcium Heart Scans
A calcium heart scan is quick, easy, painless, and can help predict your risk of a heart attack. You can get a referral to complete a heart scan from your primary care provider.
Who should not have this scan:
- Those who have had a previous heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
- Those who currently have cardiac stents
- Anyone with a history of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
Please speak with your physician if you have a pacemaker, a defibrillator or under the care of a cardiologist.
A heart scan detects calcified plaque in your heart (coronary) arteries by measuring the density of the calcium particles in the plaque along the coronary artery walls. A high level of plaque can potentially block the coronary arteries which carry oxygen rich blood to the heart. Knowing your score can help your doctor determine the most appropriate treatment for slowing the progression of coronary artery plaque also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death world-wide with more people dying each year from heart attacks and strokes than any other cause. Cardiac and vascular diseases strike anyone; men and women of all ages, races and economic classes. A heart scan helps identify plaque levels in your heart arteries so that, if your score is elevated, you can make appropriate lifestyle and medication changes. These changes may reduce your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke, possibly averting a life-threatening event.
Individuals with one or more of the following risk factors may benefit from a heart scan:
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Personal history of diabetes
- Personal history of high blood pressure
- Men over 45 and women over 50 years of age
- Past or present smoker
- Elevated weight
- Limited or no exercise routine (150 minutes of intentional exercise per week)
- Family history of early heart attack (parents or siblings)
- Fasting is NOT required.
- Do not consume caffeine or smoke for 12 hours before your scan.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Limit jewelry. (You will be asked to remove any metal in the scan field.)
During a calcium heart scan you will be laying on a scanner table with EKG leads that have been placed on your chest. The scan is completed in under 15 minutes and is painless with no needle nor injection required.
The CT scanner is open at the ends and the technologist will communicate with you throughout the process.
Patient Resources
