Calcium score CT (included in a VCL HeartScans package) and CT Coronary angiography (VCL HeartScan+) are not available as self-refer tests, as they have to be referred by an appropriately trained clinician, who can balance the risks from radiation against its diagnostic benefits. 

Because SCVC is one of the hosts for HeartScandirect we are able to offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging service that uses x-ray CT to diagnose heart problems non-invasively.

The HeartScan is an x-ray test involves a small amount of radiation that detects and qualitifies microscopic amounts of calcium that forms in and around coronary artery plaques that can lead to future heart symptoms such as angina and attacks. It is the most accurate method of finding our your personal risk of heart disease and thus whether you might benefit from statins and llife style changes proven to prevent future events.

How does it work?

Coronary calcification caused by early heart disease  can be detected using a very fast CT that has been gated to acquire at the correct point of the cardiac cycle based on the ECG.

Cardiologists all over the world as well as in the UK now recommend Coronary Calcification scoring in people over the age of 40 yrs as the best method for assessing future coronary risk as outlined in an expert consensus statement from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography 

Where is the scan done?

SCVC and Heartscandirect.com work in partnership with various CT providers across Surrey. Our schedulers will talk to you in order to agree a convenient time/date and location. Our scans may be done either at our main host site SCVC, 5 Huxley Road 5 minutes off the A3 where there is plenty of free parking or at Guildford's BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital.

What does the test entail?

An CT is a quick and painless test that takes approximately 20 minutes of your time. No blood tests, no cannula or intravenous contrast are required.

Download our Calcium Score fact sheet  or view our on the day pages to find out more.

Why choose us?

Most CAC services are radiology-led and reported.

This means that patients who undergo CAC scans elsewhere in the UK will generally receive a technical CT scan report which states whether they have any detectable coronary calcification, and if present, how much.

Patients may then need to seek a seperate consultation with their GP or a Cardiologist to get advice on what to do with the results. 

HeartScandirect's  HeartScan includes a detailed cardiologist report with customised advice on what to do with the your results.

Our scans are therefore more comprehensive than most other CAC services saving you time, money and bring you piece of mind that your heart car eis in the hands of leading heart specialists.

For prices see our Pricing Page

Before making the decision to invest in a CAC heart scan you can viiew the video clips below and or read our FAQ.

For more technical details on how we use calcium scoring to detect early heart disease, view this excellent technical Video. 

Questions you may have prior to booking a CAC scan.

Questions you may have regarding the day of the CAC scan.

Questions you may have after the CAC scan.

Any other questions not covered? Get in touch by calling us or use our contact us button to drop us a line.

If suitable for our  HeartScan,  Platinum heart screen either call SCVC during office hours or complete our contact form using the Contact us button below.

Please note that since radiation is involved our clinicians will only refer patients for CACs or HeartScan if it is clinically indicated. 

Doctors can refer their patient for Consultation, open access tests or Healthscreening with a referral letter faxed to 01483 467120 or posted to us at 5 Huxley Road Guildford GU2 7RE or online using our forms and  256 encrypted e-forms.

SCVC and Heartscan Direct operate a partnership programme for interested GP groups. Our GP partners can access very rapid referral platform and results server, saving them time and hassle, giving greater opportunity for CAC scoring patients they may have concerns about, or where there is ambivilence about prescribing statins. 

Contact our practice manager for more details.