How Long Are Life Imaging Appointments?

What to Expect During Your Visit

Most Life Imaging appointments last between an hour to an hour and a half, even though the actual CT scan is surprisingly quick. The extra time comes from check in, meeting with the team, reviewing your results, and making sure every part of the visit feels clear and comfortable.

When you arrive, you’ll complete a few short forms and briefly talk with a staff member about your health history and what you’re there to scan. After that, you’re brought into the imaging room, where the technician positions you and explains the process so there are no surprises. The scan itself takes only a few minutes. CT technology is fast, painless and very straightforward.

The part that varies most is the results review. Heart scan visits usually include a discussion about your calcium score and what it means for future risk. Full body scans may take a bit longer because they cover multiple areas. If you have questions, want a deeper breakdown or would like to understand optional screenings, that naturally adds time. If you prefer a simpler visit and only want the results, you’ll finish sooner.

Some people are in and out faster than expected. Others stay longer because they want more clarity or are considering additional screenings. It all depends on your needs, your questions and the flow of the day.

What Affects How Long Your Appointment Takes

Type of Scan

Heart scans take the least amount of time. Full body scans include a broader review.

Your Questions

If you want detailed explanations or extra reassurance, the visit lasts a little longer.

Discussion of Options

People who explore long term scan plans or future screenings spend more time with the team.

Daily Clinic Flow

Like any medical office, timing can shift based on how the day is moving.

Preparation and Comfort

Technicians take a moment to position you properly and explain the process so you feel at ease.

Main Takeaway

Most Life Imaging appointments take around an hour and a half from beginning to end. The scan is quick, but the rest of your visit focuses on making sure you are prepared, informed and confident about your results before you leave.

What Does Houston Methodist Say About Getting Screened for Heart Disease?

Houston Methodist explains that heart disease often develops with very few or no symptoms, so knowing your risk early is vital.

Their key points include:

• Risk awareness is important. Many people only realize they’re at risk after a major event like a heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm.
  
  
• Simple screenings can help including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, heart CT scans, and vascular ultrasounds to look for plaque buildup.
  
  
• Imaging tests detect critical signs; these include calcium plaque in artery walls, thickened arteries, and blockages early markers of cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Ideal candidates for screening include men aged 40–65 and women aged 45–70, especially if they have risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, family history, or smoking.
  
  
• Noninvasive screening options Carotid ultrasound (CIMT), CT heart scans (~15 minutes), and vascular screening (ultrasound + blood pressure cuffs) are accessible tools.
  
  
• Prevention is key If screenings show risk, Houston Methodist recommends heart‑healthy lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking) and, if needed, medications like statins or aspirin.
  
  

Learn more from Houston Methodist:
https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/feb/be-heart-smart-get-screened-for-heart-disease/