Why Aging Adults Should Consider a CT Scan

Happy woman outdoors making a heart with her hands.Maintaining the health of your heart becomes increasingly important as you age. Understanding how your heart may be changing and how to monitor those changes can impact both longevity and quality of life. One of the tools doctors use to keep a close eye on heart health is the CT scan.

What Is a CT Scan?

A cardiac CT scan, specifically known as computed tomography angiography, is a specialized type of scan focused on the heart and its blood vessels. This non-invasive procedure is particularly useful in detecting blockages or abnormalities in the coronary arteries – frequent culprits of heart disease.

Who should consider a CT scan?

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, many health professionals recommend that individuals over 40 – especially those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease – consider a CT scan. That decision should always be made in collaboration with your healthcare provider.

Potential benefits of a CT scan include:

  • It’s typically quick: Cardiac CT scans are generally a speedy process and can be completed within minutes.
  • Higher likelihood of early detection: Cardiac imaging can help identify blockages in arteries, diagnose cardiovascular conditions and determine your risk for heart disease. All of these benefits can be potentially lifesaving.
  • Assess overall heart health: Your provider can collect vital information by assessing your risk for heart failure, helping identify unknown causes for cardiac events and better understand your heart’s structure. This information can help guide treatment plans and potentially reduce the need for exploratory surgery.

The aging process is inevitable, but thanks to tests like CT scans, monitoring heart health is more accessible and effective. Regular cardiac imaging for those at risk can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for those with heart disease.