Best Cardiac Imaging Services in 2026

A coronary calcium (CAC) score uses low-dose CT to quantify calcified plaque in heart arteries. Scores range from 0 (no detectable calcium) to 400+ (extensive calcification). CAC strongly predicts heart attack and stroke risk, often better than cholesterol numbers. Guidelines suggest considering CAC for adults 40-75 with intermediate cardiovascular risk. The scan costs $99-199, takes 10 minutes, and involves minimal radiation.

Calcium scoring shows calcified plaque only and uses very low radiation. CT angiography (CCTA) visualizes both calcified and soft plaque with detailed images of coronary arteries but uses 5-10x more radiation. CCTA is typically used for symptomatic patients or those with elevated calcium scores. For initial screening in asymptomatic people, calcium scoring offers a better risk-benefit ratio.

Full-body MRI from companies like Prenuvo captures detailed images without radiation. For cardiac assessment specifically, dedicated cardiac MRI provides more detail than screening protocols. Full-body scans frequently find incidental abnormalities requiring follow-up, creating anxiety and medical costs. Unless you have specific risk factors or symptoms suggesting multi-system disease, targeted cardiac imaging likely provides better value.

A calcium score delivers approximately 1 mSv of radiation, equivalent to a few months of background radiation. CT angiography delivers 5-15 mSv depending on the protocol. For comparison, annual background radiation is about 3 mSv and a single chest X-ray is 0.1 mSv. Modern scanners and protocols minimize dose while maintaining image quality. The cancer risk from a single scan is very low.

Yes, for appropriately selected patients. A calcium score of zero in someone considering statin therapy might reasonably defer medication. A high score motivates aggressive risk factor management. CT angiography findings may lead to stress testing or catheterization. However, routine screening in low-risk individuals rarely changes management and may cause unnecessary intervention. Discuss with your doctor whether imaging results would actually change your treatment plan.