This comprehensive examination of the heart is a quick, painless procedure which measures even the tiniest amounts of calcium (a precursor to atherosclerosis, also known as "hardening of the arteries") in the coronary arteries. The exam provides a coronary calcium score as well as a CT angiogram, a highly effective, non-invasive means of not only detecting plaque in the arteries, but more importantly, vessel patency. This scan looks at blood flow and thus quantifies any existing atherosclerosis, a serious heart attack risk. Heart scans are endorsed by the American Heart Association as a means of helping doctors identify and treat patients who are at risk of heart attacks.
Men age 40+ years and women age 50+ years with one or more risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of cardiac disease are prime candidates for this exam. Obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity are considered risk factors as well. A heart scan is recommended once every 6-7 years.
Preparation:
Clear liquids only 4 hours prior
IV contrast administered
Procedure time: 15 minutes
Why it's important
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Unfortunately, for many people, the first symptom of heart disease is a sudden, sometimes fatal heart attack. The American Heart Association says more than 1 million Americans will suffer a heart attack this year, with as many as 340,000 dying as a result. A fast, painless heart scan can assess heart attack risk before symptoms occur, allowing for necessary steps to reduce these risks.