At The Schoeman Clinic, we have partnered with the One Heart Clinic to use advanced imaging techniques to look closely at how your heart is working. These scans provide us with detailed images of your heart’s structure, function, and blood flow, enabling us to identify risks early and tailor your treatment plan for optimal long-term health and longevity.
Our focus is not just on diagnosing disease, but on understanding your unique cardiovascular profile so we can prevent problems before they arise. We commonly use two highly accurate, non-invasive scans: Cardiac CT (CTCA) and Cardiac MRI.
A Cardiac CT scan uses X-ray technology and a safe contrast dye to create highly detailed, cross-sectional images of your heart and blood vessels. It can show calcium build-up, narrowing of arteries, and circulation in real time.
- Why it’s done: To evaluate your coronary arteries, heart muscle, and pulmonary veins.
- What to expect: You’ll lie on a scanning bed while an IV contrast dye is given and small chest electrodes record your heart rhythm. The scan is painless and usually completed in minutes.
- Calcium Score: This test can also measure calcium deposits in your arteries. A higher score indicates increased risk of coronary artery disease. It is especially useful for those with risk factors such as family history, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, or excess weight.
A Cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields (not radiation) to provide extremely detailed images of your heart tissue and blood flow. It is considered the gold standard for detecting heart muscle scarring and for diagnosing conditions such as cardiomyopathy, valve disease, heart failure, or poor blood supply to the heart.
- Why it’s done: To identify the cause of chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or suspected heart disease. It also helps us monitor heart inflammation, muscle damage, or reduced blood supply.
- Stress Cardiac MRI: Sometimes we administer a safe medicine that mimics the effect of exercise while you are lying in the scanner. This allows us to see how your heart performs under stress and whether there are blockages that need treatment.
- What to expect: You’ll lie on a comfortable platform inside the scanner. Electrodes may be attached to your chest to track your heartbeat, and you’ll receive clear instructions on breathing. The scan is safe, painless, and non-invasive.
- Early detection: Finds subtle changes before they become serious.
- Personalisation: Helps us tailor prevention and treatment strategies to you.
- Precision: Provides high-quality 2D and 3D images for the most accurate assessment.
- Prevention & longevity: Identifies risks that can be reduced through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted therapies.
Both scans are safe, outpatient procedures, and you can return to your usual activities straight after.
In summary: Advanced heart imaging at The Schoeman Clinic goes beyond diagnosis—it is a powerful tool to prevent disease, optimise cardiovascular health, and support your long-term vitality.
