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Consider the facts....
- For more than 50% of Americans who die
suddenly of coronary heart disease, a fatal heart attack
will be the first symptom.
- More than one-third of all heart attacks
occur in people between the ages of 29 and 65.
- 85% of sudden heart attacks may be prevented
if the conditions that lead to the attack are diagnosed
early enough to prescribe treatments to correct the problem
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What Is Cardiac Calcium Scoring?
A calcium score is a measure of how much calcified plaque is present
in the heart arteries of an individual. Today’s research shows
a direct correlation between the
amount of calcium in these arteries and the likelihood of a future
cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke.
The calcium by itself does not cause an
event, but calcium deposits signal that plaque (fatty build-up comprised
partially of cholesterol and calcium) is present
in the walls of the artery. This screening test does not look for
individual areas
of blockage in the heart. It is an overall assessment of global
risk for heart disease, and is the only screening test that looks
directly at the heart’s arteries. The amount and density of
the calcium plaque can predict the likelihood of a cardiac event,
such as heart attack or need for coronary intervention, over the
next one to two years.
How Is Cardiac Calcium Scoring Performed?
A CT Scanner acquires a series of images, rotating to obtain cross-sectional
scans and create multiple, three-dimensional views of the heart.
Calcium deposits are
detected and, from them, a calcium score is calculated.
Will Insurance Pay For a Cardiac Calcium
Scoring?
Many insurance companies do not cover medical tests that are considered
screening. If you wish to submit a claim to your insurance company,
a cafeteria plan, a Medical Savings Account, or a Medical Flexible
Spending Account, we will
provide you with documentation for filing. The cost for this non-invasive
screening test is $125. Although payment is due at time of service,
our office will work with patients, on an individual basis, to establish
payment options, if necessary.
What Can You Expect During Cardiac
Calcium Scoring?
• You will recline on your back on the CT table.
• The table will move through a donut-shaped x-ray machine.
An x-ray tube inside the machine will rotate around you, capturing
64 images in each rotation. The actual scan time will be approximately
5 seconds.
• The CT technologist will talk to you and give you instructions
throughout the test. You may be asked to hold your breath for 5
seconds.
What Can You Expect After Cardiac
Calcium Scoring?
• You will return immediately to normal activities.
• You will receive your calcium score immediately, followed
by a brief consultation with a physician to discuss the results.
If the score does not fall within the normal range, you may be advised
to follow up with a physician to have all of your cardiac risk factors
reviewed.
• If calcium is present, remember that 85% of heart disease
can be prevented or halted if detected and treated early. |
