Cardiac Imaging Compared
Compare heart health imaging options including coronary calcium scoring, full body MRI, CT angiography, and comprehensive cardiac evaluations.
See Our Top Picks →Scan Comparison
| Provider | Type | Price | Radiation | Duration | Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prenuvo | MRI | $2499 | None | 60 min | Plaque buildup|Heart structure|Early tumors|Aneurysms |
| Ezra | MRI | $1950 | None | 60 min | Cardiac structure|13 organs|Cancer screening |
| CAC Score | CT | $99 | Low (1 mSv) | 10-15 min | Coronary artery calcium|Plaque buildup |
| HeartFlow | CT | Variable | Moderate (3-5 mSv) | 20-30 min | Coronary arteries|Blood flow|Blockages |
| Cleerly | CT | Variable | Moderate (3-5 mSv) | 20-30 min | Plaque characterization|Stenosis|Plaque type |
| Fountain Life | CT | $10500 | Varies | Half day | Full cardiac workup|CCTA|Carotid ultrasound|Labs |
| SimonMed Imaging | CT | $75 | Low (1 mSv) | 1 min | Coronary artery calcium |
| RadNet | CT | $99 | Low (1 mSv) | 10-15 min | Coronary artery calcium |
| Life Line Screening | CT | $159 | Low-None | 1 hour | Carotid ultrasound|AAA|PAD|AFib|Bone density |
| Advanced Body Scan | CT | $995 | Moderate (5-10 mSv) | 30 min | Heart|Lungs|Abdomen|Pelvis|Calcium score |
Provider Profiles
Prenuvo
No radiation • Full body scan • AI-assisted analysis • Detailed imaging • Premium experience
Ezra
No radiation • AI screening • Annual plans available • Cancer + cardiac focus
CAC Score
Quick scan • Low cost • Predicts heart attack risk • Guideline recommended
HeartFlow
Non-invasive FFR • Replaces invasive cath • AI-powered analysis • Detailed flow data
Cleerly
AI plaque analysis • Detailed characterization • Risk stratification • Soft vs hard plaque
Fountain Life
Full-day evaluation • Multiple tests • Concierge experience • Action plan included
SimonMed Imaging
1-minute scan • Low cost • Quick appointments • No prep required • AI plaque analysis available
RadNet
Largest imaging network • Many locations • Consistent quality • Easy scheduling • AI-enhanced imaging
Life Line Screening
Mobile screening events • Multiple tests bundled • Community-based • Affordable package
Advanced Body Scan
Full body CT • Calcium score included • Same-day results • Physician consultation
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coronary calcium (CAC) score?
A CAC score uses CT to measure calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. Higher scores indicate more plaque buildup and higher heart attack risk. A score of 0 is excellent, while scores above 300 indicate significant disease. It's the best predictor of 10-year cardiovascular events.
Should I get a CAC score or full body MRI?
CAC score ($99) is excellent for specifically assessing cardiovascular risk and is recommended for intermediate-risk individuals. Full body MRI ($2,000+) provides broader screening including cardiac structure plus other organs, but at much higher cost and without the calcium quantification that CAC provides.
Is radiation from cardiac CT scans safe?
CAC scans use very low radiation (~1 mSv), equivalent to a few months of background radiation. CT angiography uses more (3-5 mSv) but is still considered safe for indicated use. MRI uses no radiation. Annual screening with low-dose CT is generally considered safe.
Who should get cardiac imaging?
CAC scoring is recommended for those with intermediate cardiovascular risk (10-20% 10-year risk) to guide statin decisions. It's not needed for very low or very high risk individuals. Full body MRI is typically for executive health or those wanting comprehensive screening.