What to Expect from a Cardiovascular Scan

HealthVision

All Cardiovascular investigations are quick and painless. A Carotid IMT test can take as little as 15 minutes. A complete cardiovascular assessment (Carotid Duplex and IMT, Echocardiograph and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Scan) should take about 1 hour.

Investigations are performed in a private room at one of our participating Group Practices.

We will begin by taking some personal details and a family history/lifestyle check. This helps us to measure your risk of cardiovascular disease and highlight any areas for concern. Our cardiovascular assessments use ultrasound and are completely pain-free. We apply a small amount of aqueous gel to your skin over the areas to be scanned and a hand-held ultrasound probe is used to obtain images of the arteries or heart. It is the same technology used in obstetric ultrasound scans.

The arteries are investigated at the neck and abdomen while you lie comfortably. To scan the heart we ask you to lie on your side and pass the probe over your chest. This allows us to diagnose aneurysm and arterial disease which may cause stroke, angina, or heart attack. We also investigate the heart for evidence of heart failure or other anomalies.

At the end of the tests we will explain your results, and give advice tailored to your individual cardiovascular profile. This will help you to adopt healthier habits and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

A full report explaining your results in layman's language will be handed to you. You will also receive a version for your General Practitioner with recommendations for further treatment if necessary.

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Investigations and Prices

Carotid Duplex including Carotid IMT Scan
Ultrasound imaging is used to identify early changes in the carotid artery wall which can herald disease process that ultimately leads to stroke or heart attack.
• Highly recommended for all who have 1 or more recognised risk factors relating to Heart Disease & Stroke

£95.00 - 20 minutes

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screen
The main artery in the abdomen is measured using ultrasound imaging to determine swelling (aneurysm) formation. Aneurysm rupture causes 9000 deaths/year in the UK and the cost effectiveness of aneurysm screening is established but not yet offered by the NHS.

• Highly recommended for males over 65 yrs of age
• Highly recommended for all with family history of AAA
• Recommended for all with high blood pressure
• Recommended for all over 55 yrs of age

£70.00 - 15 minutes

Echocardiograph
The chambers of the heart are measured and evaluated for functional performance. The heart valves and major vessels are also evaluated for evidence of abnormalities.

• Highly recommended for all with CIMT measurement >1 mm who also have a family history of Heart Disease

£95.00 - 30 minutes

Prior to arranging your appointment you may wish to discuss the relevance of each examination with your GP.

If you simply wish to get a more accurate picture of your individual risk profile, the Carotid Assessment with CIMT measurement is recommended.

Prices are subject to change. Please confirm the current examination price when arranging your appointment.

SPECIAL GROUP DISCOUNTS
If two examinations are undertaken a 5%
discount will be applied to total cost
If three examinations are undertaken a 10%
discount will be applied to total cost

To post an enquiry about any of these services please click here.

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After the Scan

The results or your scan are strictly confidential and are to be used at your discretion. If we think you need prompt medical advice we will contact your GP directly with your consent. Otherwise, you may share the medical report that we provide with your GP at your leisure. If your doctor has any questions arising from this information, we are very happy to for them to contact us.

If you are concerned and would like to discuss the results with a consultant, we can assist with appropriate referrals for telephone consultations or standard consultation.

To post an enquiry about any of these services please click here.

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