Does a Heart CT Scan Identify Aneurysms?
How Heart Scans Work When It Comes to Aneurysms
The free heart scan is designed specifically to evaluate calcium and plaque in the coronary arteries. Its purpose is to focus on heart-related risk, not to screen the entire body for other conditions. Because of that, it is not intended to detect aneurysms.
If aneurysms are a concern, Life Imaging strongly recommends choosing a full-body scan. That screening covers far more areas of the body and is able to detect aneurysms and other abnormalities as small as a grain of rice.
What Types of Aneurysms May Be Visible
Since the heart scan is centered on the coronary arteries, it does not reliably detect aneurysms outside of that region. The scan is not designed to evaluate other parts of the body, so most aneurysms will not appear.
Why a Full Body Scan Gives a Clearer Picture
A full-body scan provides a much broader view. Instead of looking only at the heart, it examines multiple areas where aneurysms can form. This is why full-body imaging is recommended for guests who want a more complete picture of their health.
How the Reading Radiologist Evaluates the Images
During your visit, the heart scan is read by a board-certified radiologist. Their main focus is the coronary arteries, but they will still review the overall images and note anything unusual. If something appears that needs attention, your patient advocate will guide you on next steps.
Who Might Benefit from Additional Screening
If you are worried about aneurysms, have a family history, or simply want a broader look at your health, a full-body scan is the better option. It can detect small abnormalities long before symptoms appear.
Call Us Today
If you’d like to learn more about full-body screening for aneurysms, call us now and your patient advocate will guide you through your options.
What Does Mayo Clinic Say About Heart Scans?
Mayo Clinic explains that heart scans are designed to measure calcium in the coronary arteries and help evaluate heart-related risk. They highlight that while the scan is useful for detecting plaque, it is not meant to replace broader imaging for conditions outside the heart.
Mayo Clinic notes that heart scans:
- Measure calcium buildup linked to heart disease
- Help identify early cardiac risk
- Provide clear imaging of the coronary arteries
- Support preventive discussions with your doctor
- Are not intended to diagnose conditions in other parts of the body
For more details, visit Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686
