Calcium score CTs , VCL HeartScans) 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. For more information see our free Virtual Consultation pages.

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.

Where is the test done?

SCVC and Heartscandirect.com work in partnership with various CT providers across Surrey. Following the launch of VCL Surrey scanner that sits beside our cliic, we can now offer a VCL HeartScan screen on a 'one stop basis' at Surrey Cardiovascular Clinic.

Our schedulers will talk to you in order to agree a convenient time/date and location. Our CT scans will usually 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 (if preferred) requiring a second visit, at Guildford's BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital.

What does the test entail?

For patients that have not had a blood cholesterol and 12 lead ECG in past 12 months, our package includes both. The CT is a quick and painless test that takes approximately 20 minutes of your time.

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 cardiologist report on your ECG, blood cholesterol (which are tests that would normally cost an extra £100) with a detailed report on the overall cardiovascular risk 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 care is in the hands of leading heart specialists.

If a VCl HeartScan shows up problems, whether it be coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy or atrial fibrillation, then our faculty of expert Cardiologists are there to provide all of the expertise that may be required to manage these medical conditions that might otherwise lead to heart failure, stroke, heart attack or cardiac arrest.

How to I book a HeartScan?

Due to radiation protection rules aimed to protect people from inappropriate exposure patients cannot book any form of CT scan without a medical referral- either from their GP to us or via a free Virtual Consultation.  Where the Cardiologist assesses the patiet to be at intermediate risk fo heart disease, and there are no contraindications the HeartScan tests can be scheduled, usually as a single visit to our test centre.  

Please note that if you have already had blood cholesterol test or 12 lead ECG you you will have access to a scan sooner (as we wont need to schedule additional  Nurse appointments) provided you can bring the results along on the day, instead of having duplicate testing, since the results remain valid for a year.

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.

Doctors can refer their patient for Consultation, open access tests or Healthscreening tests such as HeartScan 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.