How Often Should You Get A Heart Scan?

Heart scans can be an important part of keeping your heart healthy, but do you know how often you should get one?

With the advances in medical technology, there are more options than ever before when it comes to heart scanning. It is essential to understand which type of scan and how often it should be done in order to monitor your heart health. In this article, our cardiologists will explore different types of heart scans and provide advice on how often they should be done.

What Is a Heart Scan?

A heart scan is an imaging test to examine the heart’s structure and function. These tests help detect heart disease early, monitor ongoing conditions, and guide treatment decisions.

At EchoMed, we offer a variety of heart scans:

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound test that shows how well your heart is pumping and how your valves are functioning. It is particularly useful for diagnosing valve issues, heart muscle weakness, and structural abnormalities.
• Cardiac CT scan:  A high-resolution 3D X-ray that offers a detailed view of your heart and arteries. It’s especially valuable for detecting coronary artery disease or calcium build-up in the vessels.
• Cardiac MRI scan: a very detailed scan to assess the function and quality of your heart muscle, including the presence of any scar (fibrosis) or cardiomyopathy.

Your doctor will determine the most appropriate test based on your health history and current symptoms.

When Should You Get a Heart Scan?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but general clinical guidelines suggest the following:

• Adults aged 40–74: Routine cardiovascular assessments are often recommended as a starting point. Many established guidelines suggest that this age group benefits from a regular check-up to evaluate heart health.
• Before age 40: If you have a strong family history of early heart disease, for instance, a close relative who experienced a heart attack before age 60, or if you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, a doctor might advise earlier or more frequent testing.

At EchoMed, our cardiologists tailor these guidelines to your personal risk profile, ensuring you receive the appropriate test at the right time. Echocardiograms and cardiac CT scans are the most common heart scans recommended for monitoring overall cardiac health. We also have a free symptom checker tool to help you understand your needs.

How Often Should You Get an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (or “echo scan”) provides real-time insight into how your heart is functioning. It is particularly useful for monitoring patients with existing heart conditions or new symptoms.

You might consider an echocardiogram if:

• You have a known heart condition (e.g. valve disease, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy)
• You experience symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, or palpitations.
• An initial assessment raises questions that require further investigation.

Echocardiograms may be repeated every 1–2 years for individuals under active cardiac care. For those at lower risk, repeat testing is generally determined by any changes in symptoms or new findings on initial assessments.

When Is a CT Scan of the Heart Recommended?

A cardiac CT scan is used when detailed imaging of the heart and coronary arteries is necessary. It is not typically a first-line screening tool, but it becomes essential in certain circumstances:

• To assess coronary artery disease and calculate coronary calcium scores
• When other imaging tests yield inconclusive or borderline results
• To evaluate congenital heart defects or other structural anomalies

The frequency of cardiac CT scans depends on your risk profile and clinical indications. In most cases, it’s performed only as needed (rather than as part of routine screening) unless there is a significant change in your health status.

What to Expect During a Heart Scan

As mentioned previously, echocardiograms and cardiac CT scans are the most commonly advised heart scans. 

Below is what to expect from these two services:

Echocardiogram

• Duration: Approximately 30–45 minutes
• Method: A gel is applied to your chest, and a handheld probe is used to produce live ultrasound images.
• Comfort: Non-invasive and painless.

Cardiac CT Scan

• Duration: Approximately 10–20 minutes.
• Method: A contrast dye will be administered through an IV cannula to enhance imaging while the CT scanner captures detailed images of your heart.
• Comfort: Fast and generally well tolerated; you may experience a brief warm sensation from the dye.

Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after.

Real-World Example

Imagine you’re 42, generally fit, but you have a family history of heart disease (for example, a parent experienced a heart attack in their early 50s), and your cholesterol levels are slightly elevated. Even if you feel healthy, these factors might prompt your doctor to recommend a baseline echocardiogram or even a cardiac CT scan if further evaluation is needed. This personalised approach helps you stay ahead of potential issues and informs you of any necessary lifestyle or treatment adjustments.

Stay on Top of Your Heart Health

At EchoMed, we believe that early detection and personalised care are key to maintaining a healthy heart. Our approach builds on established clinical guidelines while providing the advantages of a private healthcare service (such as shorter wait times, advanced technology, and tailored advice).
If you have concerns about your heart health or simply want expert guidance, contact us today to speak with one of our experienced cardiologists and find out which heart scan is right for you.