Cardiac Scoring

Cardiac scoring is a revolutionary, pain free, non-invasive procedure that in 20 seconds can screen you for calcium deposits that can lead to clogged coronary arteries.  Using CT imaging with multi-detector capability, the scanner takes images of your coronary arteries. Cardiac scoring measures the amount of calcium built up in blood vessel walls. This diagnostic procedure can help predict cardiovascular disease in people with no symptoms. Calcified plaque in coronary arteries can mean that you may be developing coronary artery disease. Calcium does not occur in normal coronary arteries. Calcium deposits are a strong marker for the presence of atherosclerosis, the lesions that cause narrowing of the coronary arteries, and ultimately lead to heart attacks. If there is calcium in the coronary arteries, then, you can be certain there is also atherosclerosis. Further testing might then be indicated to measure the extent of the disease. Cardiac scoring is an excellent screening tool for patients who have risk factors for heart disease. 

The risk factors for heart disease include the following:

1. High blood pressure                                                          
2. Diabetes                                                                
3. High cholesterol                                                    
4. Family history of heart disease                             
5. History of smoking                                                           
6. Sedentary lifestyle
7. Overweight
8. High stress lifestyle
9. Men: Over 45 years old
10. Women: Over 55 years old

A cardiac score is not a replacement for seeing your physician or cardiologist. 
A cardiac score should always compliment your annual physical.

Facts about heart disease:

1. 58 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.
2. Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.
3. More Americans die of heart disease, than all types of cancer combined.
4. At least 250,000 people a year die of a heart attack within one hour of the onset of symptoms and before they reach a hospital.
5. 12 million people alive today have a history of heart attack, chest pain or both.

Source: American Heart Association

Cardiac Scoring is proactive, not reactive. Disease or abnormalities can be detected years before symptoms will occur. Although a prescription from your physician is not required results should be discussed with your doctor

Patient Preparations

1. No caffeine 4 hours prior to procedure.