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CARDIAC
SCORING
Cardiac scoring is a fast, noninvasive test of the coronary
arteries to help determine a patient’s risk of coronary
artery disease. Using our state-of-the-art, very fast multidetector
CT (computed tomography) scanners, multiple images of the
heart are obtained within seconds during a breath-hold. The
amount of calcium or plaque within the coronary arteries is
then determined. There are no needles or injections involved.
After the study, the patient is free to return to his or her
regular routine. At our center, a board-certified radiologist
then determines the cardiac score with the aid of a computer
work station.
These
basic facts concerning heart disease are central to the need
for cardiac scoring.
-
Approximately 58 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular
disease.
- More
Americans die of heart disease than of all types of cancer
combined, and it is the number one killer of men and women
in the US.
- It
is estimated that nearly half of sudden cardiac events (heart
attacks or sudden death) occur in previously asymptomatic
people.
- The
primary cause of heart disease is the buildup of plaque
(atherosclerosis) in the arteries of the heart. As the plaque
matures, calcium is deposited within it. This buildup of
plaque causes narrowing of the artery and sometimes sudden
blockage if the plaque ruptures. The result is diminished
blood flow and oxygen delivery to heart muscle, which may
lead to a heart attack or even sudden death.The purpose
of cardiac scoring is to identify those people with atherosclerosis
who have not yet experienced symptoms. Appropriate medical
treatment and/or lifestyle changes can then be initiated
to slow, halt or possibly even reverse the disease process.
Patient preparation for the procedure not available at this
time.
Q:
Who should consider having a cardiac score exam?
We recommend cardiac scoring for those with 3 or more of these
risk factors:
- age
(women over 55 and men over 45)
- high
cholesterol
- history
of smoking
- high
blood pressure (hypertension)
- diabetes
- family
history of heart disease
- obesity
Q:
Is cardiac scoring safe?
CT
scanners use X-rays (radiation) to produce the images. The
radiation exposure during the scoring exam is minimal, similar
to that used to produce chest X-rays. No injections or needles
are used.
Q:
What does my score mean?
Basically, the score correlates with the risk of coronary
artery (cardiovascular) disease. A low score correlates with
a low risk of having significant coronary artery disease.
An intermediate or high score correlates with coronary disease,
possibly with significant obstructive coronary disease. With
this test, detection of heart disease is possible before symptoms
occur. With this information, the patient’s physician
can recommend appropriate treatment, including diet and lifestyle
changes, medication, and/or further testing. The disease process
may then be slowed, halted, or even possibly reversed.
Q:
What does the exam cost?
The cost of the exam at our institution is $350. Currently,
most insurance companies do not pay for the exam, although
it is recommended that people considering the exam contact
their insurance companies and inquire about coverage.
Q:
How do I get the results?
Your exam is usually read the same day. A summary of your
score is mailed directly to you. A more detailed report is
sent to your physician.
Q:
How do I schedule the exam?
We require patients to schedule cardiac scoring through their
physician’s office or to provide the name of a physician
who can be contacted with results. In order to schedule an
exam, please call 919-784-3419. If there are further questions,
please call 919-784-3017 extension 3.
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