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Cardiac Calcium Scoring
Cardiac Calcium Scoring
Cardiac Calcium Scoring, also called a HeartView Scan, uses a CT
(Computed Tomography) scan to quantify calcium deposits in the
coronary artery. Cardiac Calcium Scoring is a quick and non-invasive
test that detects and measures the amount of calcium in your coronary
arteries, an indicator of heart disease.
Cardiac Calcium Scoring can detect calcium deposits before they get
large enough to obstruct the blood vessel lumen. This scoring test
will find plaque in the blood vessel wall. This is a valuable
screening test to identify an individual who has no symptoms, but has
significant plaque in the blood vessel wall. It is not unusual for
this small amount of plaque to change shape and attract a clot, thus
resulting in a heart attack.
It is important to note that this test should be done under the
supervision of a physician to properly use the data.
What you will experience
You will lie on a table that slides through a scanning devise that
resembles a large donut. The exam will be completed in about 15
minutes. The test is painless. No IV or contrast(dye) is used.
A series of cross section images of the heart, including the coronary
arteries, are recorded from the scanning. A subspecialty radiologist
examines each of the images, circling areas of calcification. The
calcium deposits are quantified. The radiologist uses this number to
score this test. With this information, the patient is put into one of
four or five categories of risk, ranging from normal to extremely high
risk.
An appropriate candidate is male, age 35-70, or female, age 40-70, who
has any of the following factors:
- Family history of heart
disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
Tell us about any of these
Tell your doctor of the following:
- Have a known coronary
artery disease
- Have a resting heart
rate above 90-95 beats per minute (resting tachycardia)
- If you are or think you
may be pregnant
How you should prepare
For most tests, no special preparation is needed. If preparation is
required, you will be notified before the test.
After your exam
When the exam is completed, a board certified radiologist from
Suburban Radiologic Consultants will prepare
a report and discuss the results with your physician. After receiving
the report, your doctor will explain the test results to you and
discuss any further procedures or treatments if needed.
Cost
Most insurance plans consider this a non-covered service, but check
with your insurance company.
The charge for Cardiac Calcium Scoring is $395. We accept VISA,
MasterCard, Discover and personal checks. Payment is expected at the
time the service is rendered. |
