CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Coronary artery calcium scoring
- No. 1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Over 13,000 cardiac CT scans performed in the last 3 years*
- 99% of patients recommend us to family and friends
- Non-invasive cardiac diagnostics and imaging, including CT coronary angiograms
*January 2022 to December 2024
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CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORING AT HCA UK
Why choose us for your private CAC test?
Our specialist radiographers and cardiology consultants are here to ensure you receive the highest quality personalised care, with access to innovative treatments and advanced diagnostics across our leading network of private clinics and hospitals.
When you need answers quickly, we’ll confirm your cardiac CT scan with calcium scoring (CAC test) within 24 hours, and deliver your results within 48 hours*.
With over 36,000 cardiac patients per year, and 15 diagnostics locations in London, Birmingham and Manchester we're the UK's most trusted private care provider. No wonder 99% of our patients say they’d recommend us to family and friends.
*Based on availability across all HCA UK facilities.
The calcium score, or CAC test, is the measurement of the build-up of calcium in the heart arteries (coronary calcium). This test is used to detect early coronary heart disease or to predict the risk of developing future heart attacks. This is usually done alongside a CT coronary angiogram, however, it’s also possible to record a coronary artery calcium score separately. Your consultant will advise the best approach for you.
This test looks for calcification in the coronary arteries, which can then be measured, scored and compared against other patients of a similar age and gender.
Getting an accurate measurement of the calcified plaque within the heart arteries offers a powerful estimate of your risk of future heart attacks and allows you to begin early protective treatment known as ‘primary prevention’.
A cardiac CT scan with calcium scoring usually lasts between 15 to 20 minutes and is done as an outpatient appointment.
All our test results are reviewed and reported on by our consultant cardiologists to deliver an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment options.
250+
Cardiology consultants for you to choose from
36,000+
Cardiac patients treated every year
48 hours
Fast access to diagnostic test results
Rapid access to cardiology tests and scans
Appointments available in as little as 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results available within 48 hours
Wide-ranging cardiac expertise
Across London, Manchester and Birmingham
Where can I get my cardiac CT scan?
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
YOUR PATIENT JOURNEY
Preparing for a coronary artery calcium test 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.
You’ll be in good hands – all our scans are carried out by our expert teams of cardiac specialists and radiographers who will support you through the whole process.
You’ll be in good hands – all our scans are carried out by our expert teams of cardiac specialists and radiographers who will support you through the whole process.
01
Before your scan
Your consultant will explain the calcium scoring test and cardiac CT scan to you and answer any questions you may have. You’ll be asked not to consume a heavy meal for at least four hours before your scan, and to avoid certain drinks and medications up to 24 hours beforehand. On the day of the scan it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
02
During your scan
Your cardiac CT scan will be done as an outpatient appointment. 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 rapidly injected into the drip as you are moved through the doughnut-shaped scanner for the coronary angiogram.
Following this, the team will take a few more seconds to carry out the coronary calcium score. A consultant radiologist will then check if any calcium is present within your heart arteries. If calcium is detected, your calcium score will be compared with a database of over 25,000 individuals and plotted against your peers, by age and gender, so your consultant can assess your relative risk.
Following this, the team will take a few more seconds to carry out the coronary calcium score. A consultant radiologist will then check if any calcium is present within your heart arteries. If calcium is detected, your calcium score will be compared with a database of over 25,000 individuals and plotted against your peers, by age and gender, so your consultant can assess your relative risk.
03
After your scan
Since the test is non-invasive, you will be able to return home shortly after your scan.
The images will be reviewed by both your consultant radiologist and cardiologist. At your follow-up appointment your cardiologist will discuss your results with you and recommend next steps.
The images will be reviewed by both your consultant radiologist and cardiologist. At your follow-up appointment your cardiologist will discuss your results with you and recommend 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
Calcium in the heart arteries (coronary calcium) occurs when there is a build-up of plaque narrowing the arteries. This can be easily detected using a specific cardiac CT scan and then measured using a computer.
The early detection of disease before symptoms develop means we can prescribe early preventative measures and lifestyle changes, helping to reduce the risk of future heart attacks which can damage the heart.
Our heart team is available to book an appointment with a cardiac specialist who can advise you on whether you need any cardiac tests and diagnostics for your symptoms and condition.
We are 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 utilise X-rays to form images but are generally 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 this 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.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.