Akumin Heart Health & Cardiac Screening Services
Every February, Heart Health Month reminds us why taking care of our hearts is so important. Heart disease is very common and affects many people. Some heart problems grow slowly and may not cause symptoms right away.
Heart Health Month encourages people to learn about their heart, understand their risks, and take steps to stay healthy. Finding heart problems early can help prevent serious issues later. Heart screenings can help doctors spot concerns before symptoms start.
Akumin offers heart imaging tests that help doctors see how your heart looks and how well it is working. These heart tests help guide care and support better heart health over time.
Explore Our Cardiac Screening Services
Calcium Scoring (CAC)
What the test is
A calcium score is a special CT scan that checks for calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart. Calcium in these arteries can be a sign of heart disease.
Who may benefit
- Adults with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease
- People who want to better understand their heart disease risk
What it shows
- A calcium score that helps estimate the chance of future heart problems
Why it matters
- Calcium buildup can be an early warning sign of heart disease
- Knowing your risk can help guide healthy choices and medical care
Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG)
What the test is
An EKG is a test that records the electrical signals of the heart as it beats.
Who may benefit
- People with chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats
- People who need a basic check of their heart rhythm
What it shows
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Signs of irregular heartbeats or past heart issues
Why it matters
- Helps doctors understand how the heart is beating
- Can find rhythm problems early, even if symptoms are mild
Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)
What the test is
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart.
Who may benefit
- People with heart murmurs, swelling, shortness of breath, or known heart problems
What it shows
- Heart size and shape
- How well the heart pumps blood
- How heart valves are working
Why it matters
- Shows how well the heart is working
- Helps doctors spot heart problems early
Cardiac MRI
What the test is
A cardiac MRI is an imaging test that takes very detailed pictures of the heart without using radiation.
Who may benefit
- People who need detailed images of the heart or heart muscle
- Patients with complex or unclear heart conditions
What it shows
- Detailed images of heart structure and muscle health
Why it matters
- Helps doctors better understand complex heart conditions
- Supports clear treatment decisions
Cardiac PET Scan
What the test is
A Cardiac PET looks at the blood flow to the heart and the heart muscle’s function
Who may benefit:
- People with ongoing heart symptoms
- People with known heart disease who need more information
What it shows:
- Areas of the heart with good blood flow,
- Areas that may be damaged or need improvement with treatment.
Why it matters:
- Helps find areas of the heart that might need treatment
- Provides clear information when other tests are not enough
Cardiac CT / CCTA
What the test is
A cardiac CT scan takes detailed pictures of the heart and the arteries that supply blood.
Who may benefit
- People with chest pain or symptoms that need a closer look at heart arteries
What it shows
- Plaque buildup or narrowing in the heart arteries
Why it matters
- Helps doctors find blockages early
- Supports timely care decisions
Why Heart Screening Is Important
Heart disease is common, but many problems can be treated or managed when found early. Heart tests help doctors understand risk and plan the right care.
Learn More in the Akumin Health Library
Find more Heart Health information in the Akumin Health Library.
Find a Location or Schedule an Appointment
Heart test services are available at Akumin imaging centers across the country. Visit akumin.com/locations to find a location or schedule an appointment.
Important note: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about what heart tests are right for you.