The lungs and heart are vital organs, working together to continuously circulate oxygen-rich blood around the body. But as we age, there are a number of conditions that can develop silently over time, which can disrupt their essential role.
Prevention is key, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Lung and Heart Caring Scan is a comprehensive, low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan designed to assess the health of your lungs and heart in one simple test, helping you take a proactive step toward long-term wellness.
The importance of proactive screening
There are a number of risk factors that can have a big impact on the health of your lungs and heart. Age, family history, tobacco use, environmental factors and other medical conditions can all take their toll. But early detection, before symptoms may appear, allows for early intervention, which may improve outcomes and could even save your life.
Thanks to advances in screening technology, early signs of conditions such as coronary artery disease and lung cancer, can be detected at the earliest stages, without the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.
Is a Lung and Heart Caring Scan right for me?
The Lung and Heart Caring Scan may be right for you if you:
- Are aged 50 or over
- Are a smoker or you have previously smoked (this includes cigarettes, sheesha or medwakh)
- Have a family history of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- Have cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Are experiencing ongoing symptoms such as chest pain, chronic cough or unexplained weight loss
- Have had occupational exposure to industrial dust.
One scan, two important insights
The Lung and Heart Caring Scan combines two important assessments in one simple scan:
Coronary calcium scoring:
This test looks for the presence of calcium deposits in your coronary arteries, which can be an early sign of coronary artery disease. The scan can detect heart disease long before symptoms may appear and can identify your risk in the earliest stages.
Early identification means doctors can advise on preventive lifestyle changes, determine whether medication may be needed and accurately identify those at risk and give treatment that may prevent a heart attack or stroke in the future.
Learn more about coronary calcium scoring here.
Lung cancer screening:
Lung cancer screening is designed to detect the disease at its earliest and most treatable stages, in those at high risk for the disease.
The scan can detect small lung nodules and abnormalities early and is a positive step that can improve outcomes.
Learn more about lung cancer screening here.
What should I expect during the scan?
The scan is quick, painless, non-invasive and uses a low dose of radiation. You will lie on a comfortable table, and small electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor heart activity. The table will move into a scanner, which rotates to capture detailed images. The entire scan takes less than a minute to complete.
No special preparation or fasting is required, but you will be asked to wear comfortable clothing and remove any metal objects. You must tell the technicians if you could be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
What will the results tell me?
Your calcium score will either be:
- Negative: No calcification is detected and risk of coronary artery disease is low.
- Positive: Calcification was present. A score will indicate the preventive or treatment strategies that are needed.
Your lung screening result will be one of the following:
- Negative: No abnormalities were detected.
- Benign/probably benign: Minor findings, follow-up may be required.
- Suspicious: Further evaluation or referral is needed.
- Incomplete: Additional imaging is needed.
Your doctor will discuss results with you in detail and explain next steps based on your individual needs.
Take a step towards preventive health
A Lung and Heart Caring Scan allows you to take control of your health, before symptoms may appear. Early detection of serious conditions that affect your lungs and heart could make a life-saving difference.
If you are at a high risk of lung and heart conditions, talk to your doctor about preventive screening.
What We Treat
- Asthma
- Bleeding
- Breathing problems
- Burns
- Chest pain
- Coughs and colds
- Cuts and lacerations
- Dizziness / fainting
- Falls
- Fever
- Head injury
- Headaches
- Medication concerns
- Muscle aches and pains
- Seasonal allergies
- Sprains and strains
- Stomach pain
- Stroke
- Traffic accidents
- Vomiting / diarrhea
- Weakness
Related Links
To learn more about the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (HVTI), visit: Visit Here.
For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.