Calcium Heart Score

Did you know your risk for heart disease can be measured in as little as 15 minutes?

St. Margaret's Health offers calcium heart score exams (sometimes called a calcium heart scan) - a painless, non-invasive method for detection of heart disease.

Using computed tomography (CT) technology, a St. Margaret’s calcium heart score provides detailed pictures of your heart so you physician can check for clogged arteries. As with many diseases, early detection may help save your life. Talk to your physician to find out if this form of screening may benefit you.

Calcium heart scores are performed at both our hospital locations. Please note, there are some differences between the processes each hospital uses. Below are the details for each.

Consider having a calcium heart score exam if you:

  • Are a woman who is 55 or older or postmenopausal
  • Are a man who is 40 or older
  • Have a family history of heart disease
  • Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes
  • Have used tobacco
  • Are sedentary or overweight

St. Margaret's Health - Spring Valley

Do you need an appointment for a calcium heart score exam at our hospital in Spring Valley?

If your physician thinks you will benefit from this exam, patients will be directed to call the CT Department to see what available time works best for the patient to arrive on any given day the calcium heart score is performed.

  • This does NOT go through Scheduling. There are no walk-in appointments at Spring Valley.
  • In Spring Valley, calcium heart scores are done between 10am – 3pm, Monday – Friday.
  • Exam cost is $99, payable with cash or credit card at the time of service (we will not bill your insurance).
  • You should avoid caffeine products for at least four hours before your your visit.

Remember, if your physician directs you to have this screening, call the CT Department ahead of time to make sure your wait is at a minimum: (815) 664-1491

St. Margaret's Health - Peru

At our hospital in Peru, walk-ins are accepted and no appointments are necessary.

If your physician asks you to have a calcium heart score exam done and you choose to have it performed at our hospital in Peru, here’s what you should do:

  • Enter through the hospital’s outpatient entrance and then stop by the registration desk to request the calcium heart score/scan anytime between 8am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday.
  • While no appointment is necessary, a physician’s order is required.
  • Exam cost is $99, payable with cash or credit card at the time of service (we will not bill your insurance).
  • You should avoid caffeine products for at least four hours before your visit.

For more information on the calcium heart score at St. Margaret’s Health – Peru, please call the Peru Diagnostic Imaging Department at (815) 780-3432.

What to Expect

  • When you arrive, you will complete a brief health history questionnaire.
  • You will then be escorted to the diagnostic imaging room where the screening will be performed.
  • You will be asked to lie on your back on top of an exam table.
  • Your arms will then be placed above your head and a cardiac monitor will be used during the screening to measure your heart rate.
  • You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the calcium heart score is completed. 
  • Your results will be sent to your ordering provider. It is your responsibility to consult with your provider regarding the results.

SMH Peru And Spring Valley Will Be Closing All Current Operations As Of Friday, June 16, 2023 At 11:59 P.M.

This includes the Hospital, Clinics and other facilities at both locations.

All portals will be inaccessible after this time.

Patients needing emergency care should call 911.

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