CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring is a non-invasive, inexpensive,
pain-free screening exam to check for the build-up of calcified plaque (atherosclerosis),
in the coronary arteries.
The build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries of the heart is the primary
cause of heart disease. This build-up can cause the arteries to narrow. Plaque can
also break away from the artery walls and cause a blockage. In both instances the
heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and oxygen-thus a heart attack can
occur.
Is cardiac scoring safe? The radiation exposure during cardiac
scoring is minimal (comparable to the radiation received during a chest x-ray).
No intravenous injection is required.
Not only is it safe, but it is also simple. In most cases, patients may wear their
own clothing during the procedure (unless the buttons or other clothing contains
metal).
Criteria: For optimum results, the patient should
have a heart rate of 70 beats per minute or less and be able to hold a breath for
20-30 seconds. Medication to lower the heart rate, for patients with heart
rates over 70 beats per minute, should be a consideration.
Cardiac Scoring is recommended for:
- Age (men age 35-70, women age 40-70)
- Family history of heart disease
- Personal history of:
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High stress levels
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight
- Diabetes
Cardiac Scoring is NOT recommended for:
Anyone outside the recommended age range
Pregnant women
A personal history of:
- Coronary artery disease
- Tachycardia (resting heart rate over 90)
- Previous open heart surgery
The Good news, coronary artery disease is treatable
The plaque build-up process can be slowed, stabilized and reversed, in some cases,
through aggressive lifestyle modification and/or through medication therapies under
the guidance of your physician.