Baylor Heart Scan

Baylor offers a testing program to help you determine your heart health. The Baylor Heart Scan is a non-invasive form of the CT scan that captures images of the heart at split-second rates. This helps detect the buildup of plaque (calcium) in the coronary arteries. Scan results and your calcium score are available immediately after the test. Your score will be compared to the standard for your age and gender. This test, along with other indicators, presents an estimate of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease so an appropriate heart health plan can be developed.

The Baylor Heart Scan is most appropriate for men age 35 to 70 and women age 40 to 70 and people who:

  • Have a family history of heart disease
  • Smoke
  • Have diabetes
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Are overweight

There are two Baylor Heart Scan packages available. Both include the interpretation of your calcium score, a multipage calcium score report and consultation with a cardiac nurse.

Essential Package

  • Leap for Life® class and booklet
    Leap for Life® is a five-hour heart and vascular health workshop. Classes are available on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch is provided. Patients may bring one guest and can schedule their class four to five days in advance by calling (214) 820-2109.
  • Pass to the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center with a fitness assessment by an exercise physiologist.
  • Basic lipid profile including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and glucose. Your lab results will be given to you at the time of your appointment.

Grand Package

Includes all elements of the Essential package as well as:

  • Advanced cardiovascular labs including C-reactive protein, homocysteine, advanced lipid profile, complete blood count including hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count and chemistry panel including liver and kidney function test, heart enzymes and electrolytes. Most lab results will be given to you at the time of your appointment.

Call 1-800-4BAYLOR to schedule a Baylor Heart Scan. Baylor Heart Scans are offered in the Imaging Services department on the first floor of the Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital.

Information on how the test is performed, how to prepare for the test, and potential risks.

The Baylor Heart Scan is a non-invasive form of the CT scan