Heart & Vascular Center

Phone Numbers

Lexington Medical Heart and Vascular Center

Cardiology
(803) 744-4900
Cardiothoracic Surgery
(803) 936-3275
Vascular Surgery
(803) 936-7095

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Main Campus
(803) 791-2621
LMC Lexington
(803) 358-6180
LMC Irmo
(803) 732-5388

CT Scans

Benefits of CT Scans

  • Detect and analyze heart disease, aneurysms embolisms early
  • Advanced technology to give you faster results
(803) 744-4900

"Everyone who took care of me at Lexington Medical Center was unbelievable."

— Jim, Heart & Vascular Center Patient

What is a CT scan?

These tests capture ultra-clear, highly detailed images of overall heart function which, when combined, form a 3-D representation of your heart that can reveal blockages and aneurysms.

Types of CT Scans

CT Angiograms

Your doctor will use a special dye and imaging machine to illuminate your blood flow to show blood vessel blockages or enlargements in the arteries of your heart, chest, abdomen or extremities.

Calcium Score

Your doctor will use the CT scanner to look for calcium deposits in your arteries, an indicator for your risk of heart or vascular disease.

What to Expect

Before the scan, your doctor may order lab tests to check your kidney function. During the scan, an IV will be placed in your hand or arm and beta blockers may be used to slow your heart rate.

Chest and Abdominal CT Angiograms

You will be asked not to eat for four hours before these scans.

Duration

The scan itself will only take about 15 seconds but the length of your visit will depend on the type of CT and if your doctor needs to give you medication to slow your heart.

Ask for a Referral

You’ll need a referral from an LMC physician to order a CT screening. Talk with your doctor to see if a CT scan would be right for you.

Advanced Technology

Powerful CT Scanners

Multiple X-rays create a detailed image of structures inside the body.

What is it?

  • Shows narrowed arteries from plaque buildup.
  • Can indicate a risk of developing coronary artery disease.

What are the benefits?

  • Faster imaging.
  • More accurate results.