CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Cardiac CT scan (CT angiography)
A cardiac CT scan offers a non-invasive technique to evaluate the health of the arteries and structure of the heart. It combines CT images and X-ray with a contrast dye, to create detailed 3D images of the heart and its blood vessels.
- Advanced non-invasive heart imaging at our specialist UK centres
- Appointments for a cardiac CT scan typically within 24 hours
- Expert heart screening with CT coronary angiography technology
- Plus, high-precision computed tomography angiography
- Identify early-stage plaque without invasive surgery
- Fast-track diagnostic results
Private cardiac CT scan at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If heart symptoms are affecting your quality of life, we’re here to help.
HCA UK is a leader in private cardiac imaging including in conducting cardiac CT scans, which are a vital tool for detecting coronary artery disease. Our exceptional specialist cardiac diagnostics technologies and imaging skills also include CT coronary angiogram with calcium scoring.
With over 36,000 cardiac patients per year, we're the UK's most trusted private care provider for heart health. If you need fast access to advanced diagnostics, we can confirm your cardiac CT scan with a cardiovascular specialist within 24 hours. Test results are usually sent within 48 hours**, so you’ll get the answers you need without the wait.
A Cardiac CT scan combines computed tomography (CT) with high-resolution X-rays, to create 3D images of your heart and coronary arteries. This allows your specialist to visualise your coronary arteries without invasive surgery, accurately detecting the presence and extent of arterial plaques before they’re detectable by other techniques.
We can also carry out a heart calcium score test to measure calcified plaque within the heart arteries. This offers a powerful estimate of your risk of future heart attacks and allows you to begin early protective treatment.
We can also carry out a heart calcium score test to measure calcified plaque within the heart arteries. This offers a powerful estimate of your risk of future heart attacks and allows you to begin early protective treatment.
The scan itself is usually quick lasting less than 20 minutes, although the full process may take anything from 30 minutes to an hour. It’s performed as an outpatient appointment, so you can go home after the scan.
At HCA UK, we work with the most advanced cardiac imaging equipment, including the advanced CT-based bioengineering technique, Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from Coronary CT (FFR-CT) to assess blood flow to the heart.
Our cardiac CT scan also delivers super-high resolution plaque visualisation enabling precision diagnostics. It’s all part of our commitment to delivering world-class cardiac care.
HCA UK is also the UK’s only private healthcare network to offer CaRi-Heart® for self-pay patients at The Harley Street Clinic. This revolutionary new AI-based technology can detect underlying heart risks. Using artificial intelligence to analyse the findings of a routine CT coronary angiogram scan, CaRi-Heart® measures blood vessel inflammation to identify the likelihood of a heart attack in the future.
The service is available to patients with a referral from their GP or consultant and can provide reassurance to those who have pre-existing heart problems or heart disease in the family. If results suggest an increased risk of heart attack, our team can begin working with you to put preventative measures in place.
Every private cardiac CT scan is interpreted by expert specialists to ensure accuracy for all our patients. All our test results are reviewed and reported on by either an imaging cardiologist consultant or a cardiothoracic radiologist to support a clear diagnosis and help your team recommend the most effective treatment options.
Rapid access to tests and scans
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art facilities
Access innovative treatment options.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any of our 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Locations
Cardiac CT and heart scan locations
With a network of high-quality facilities offering advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments across London, Manchester and Birmingham, we’re here for you.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Your patient journey
Your cardiac CT scan with HCA UK
From your initial consultation through to diagnosis and treatment, we want you to feel informed and reassured. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
A cardiac CT scan is a non-invasive alternative to a procedural angiogram. All our scans are carried out by our expert teams of cardiac specialists and radiographers who’ll support you through the whole process – so you’ll be in good hands.
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Preparing for your cardiac CT scan
Your consultant will explain the test to you and answer any questions you may have. You’ll be asked not to consume a heavy meal for at least four hours prior to the scan, and to avoid caffeine-based products for up to 12 hours before your appointment. You may also be asked to take some tablets (beta-blockers) prior to your scan to safely slow down and regulate your heart rate. This helps to ensure the highest quality images can be taken at low radiation doses.
In terms of preparing for your scan, you will usually be advised to keep well hydrated with water, but to stop eating at least two hours before the scan. Please avoid any caffeinated drinks (soft drinks as well as tea and coffee) from midnight the night before.
Do not take any erectile dysfunction medications (e.g., Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) within 24 hours of your CT scan appointment.
In terms of preparing for your scan, you will usually be advised to keep well hydrated with water, but to stop eating at least two hours before the scan. Please avoid any caffeinated drinks (soft drinks as well as tea and coffee) from midnight the night before.
Do not take any erectile dysfunction medications (e.g., Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) within 24 hours of your CT scan appointment.
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During your cardiac CT scan
Your cardiac CT scan will be done as an outpatient appointment. It’s an entirely non-invasive and painless experience which involves you lying on a table that moves through a doughnut-shaped scanner.
A small drip (cannula) will be inserted in your arm, and you’ll be asked to lie comfortably on your back on the scanning table. Four heart activity sensors will be positioned on your chest and an X-ray dye will be injected into the drip as you move through the scanner.
You should only be on the scanner itself for around five minutes. After the scan you will be disconnected from heart activity sensors and escorted back to the waiting room. In all, the whole process should take about 30 minutes.
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After your cardiac CT scan
Since the test is non-invasive, you will be able to return home shortly after your scan. If you are given an intravenous beta blocker, you may be asked to wait a short while until the effects wear off and your heart rate returns to normal. You will not be able to drive for at least three hours.
The images will be reviewed by your consultant radiologist and the results will be sent to your cardiologist. Your CT scan data may also be sent on for a Heartflow Analysis.
This is a sophisticated bioengineering analysis that uses data from the cardiac CT scan to create a 3D model of blood flow. This can help your consultant to decide on the best treatment for you, using a detailed assessment of your heart arteries to gauge the impact of any blockages on your blood flow. Your consultant will speak to you about your results and any next steps.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQs
A cardiac CT scan is a first line of diagnosis for patients with chest pain, or anyone who has a family history of heart disease and wants to get checked out. CT angiography is an additional diagnostic approach that can be used to identify plaque build-up using contrast dye, without having an invasive procedure.
Our heart team is available to help you book an appointment with a cardiac specialist. They can advise you on whether you need a cardiac CT scan or other tests and diagnostics for your symptoms and condition.
Cardiac CT scans are usually safe if you have a pacemaker or implant. However, it’s important that you let your team know as your specialist will need to adjust the settings on the scanner to account for your electronic implant.
We’re able to offer cardiac CT scans for patients with many types of implants, including pacemakers, neurostimulators and orthopaedic implants. We are happy to talk to you about your particular implant and advise you further.
Cardiac CT scans are not generally advised during pregnancy, unless your consultant feels the benefits of the scan outweigh any risk to the pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss this with you first and advise whether it is suitable for you and your baby.
Cardiac CT scans are considered to be safe with little risk. If there’s anything in particular you’re worried about, our booking and clinical teams can answer any questions you have. Some people can experience allergic reactions to the contrast dye used in some scans, although is very rare.
Generally, we need a referral letter from your GP or doctor before we can confirm your scan. If you prefer, you can book an appointment with an HCA UK consultant who will refer you directly.
A cardiac CT scan, also known as a CT coronary angiogram, and traditional angiograms both visualise your heart vessels using contrast dye to detect coronary artery disease and blockages.
A cardiac CT scan is a fast, non-invasive, low-risk outpatient test. A traditional angiogram is invasive, using a catheter to enable immediate treatment such as an angioplasty.
We do need a referral if the cost of your scan is going to be covered by your insurance. We can often arrange a consultation with a cardiac specialist who can provide the necessary referral for self-pay patients.
HCA UK always provides transparent pricing for both our self-pay and insured patients. The cost of your own private cardiac CT scan or angiography will depend on the precise diagnostic process that your cardiac specialist has advised for you.
For detailed information about pricing just get in touch. Our friendly and informative team will be happy to help.
Coronary calcium scoring helps your specialist team to measure hardened plaque in your coronary arteries. It’s a good ‘heart check’ approach used to detect early coronary heart disease and predict the risk of future heart attack, which can help you to take preventative action.
It’s usually performed alongside a CT coronary angiogram. However, it can also be conducted separately.
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