Mammography
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (Heartscreen CT)
Coronary artery calcium scoring, also known as a heartscreen CT, is a specialized type of CT scan. During this heart screening CT scan, which takes about 20-30 seconds, the patient’s heart rate is monitored while the CT scanner acquires rapid images of the heart. Specialized software then uses the two pieces of information to construct high resolution image slices through the heart to visualize the coronary arteries.
The scans will show whether or not there is any calcification in the coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. The presence of calcium in the coronary arteries is a reliable indicator of coronary artery disease which, if untreated, can progress to artery blockage and possibly to a heart attack. The data is analyzed by a radiologist using a specialized computer program that calculates the total amount of calcium present in the arteries and will give a comparison of where the patients’ coronary calcium level is relative to people of the same gender and age group. This information is then compiled into a report, which will be sent to you and your doctor.
The coronary artery calcium score is powerful predictor of future heart attack risk and can be a powerful motivator of health and lifestyle change for patients.
This page contains the following information about coronary artery calcium scoring:
- Reasons for Having Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
- Risks Involved in Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
- Conditions to Let Your Doctor Know About
- Insurance Coverage
- Exam Locations
- Scheduling This Exam
- Preparation Guidelines
- What to Expect During Your Exam
- Recovering from Your Imaging Exam
- Getting Your Exam Results
- Additional Information
Reasons for Having Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
A heartscreen CT is a cost effective means of evaluating the risk of coronary artery disease in patients who don’t have current symptoms of heart disease.
If you can say yes to two or more of the risk factors for heart disease, you may benefit from the information provided by a coronary artery calcium score. You and your physician can make better decisions regarding your health and lifestyle modifications to help reduce your risk of developing significant coronary artery disease. The test result can be a powerful motivator for change and can help guide you and your physician in selecting the most appropriate action.
Risks Involved in Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
There is the risk of x-ray exposure; however, it is well below the level that causes adverse affects.
Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About
In advance of your exam, let your Invision Sally Jobe radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:
- Irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
- Rapid heart rate, also called tachycardia (resting heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute)
- Previous heart surgery
- Pacemaker
- Inability to hold your breath for 30 seconds
- Inability to raise both hands above your head
- Currently pregnant
If you have had a previous heartscreen CT, please let the imaging center staff know so they may obtain the previous coronary artery calcium score to compare with the current test results.
Insurance Coverage
Coronary artery calcium scoring is not usually covered by insurance. You are not required to be referred by a doctor for this exam, but it is advisable to have the results of the exam sent to a doctor. Some insurance plans may cover this exam, but only if your doctor orders it. Please check with your insurance company to be sure.
Exam Locations
This specialized CT scan can be done at the following Invision Sally Jobe location in the Denver, Colorado area:
Scheduling This Exam
To schedule a heartscreen CT, call 720-493-3700.
Preparation Guidelines
Following are the general preparation guidelines for a heartscreen CT. You may receive additional or differing guidelines based on your specific situation. Please contact us at 720-493-3700 if you have any questions.
- Do not drink any caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours prior to the exam.
- Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco products for at least 4 hours prior to the exam.
- Do not take any stimulant drugs for at least 4 hours prior to the exam.
- Take any prescription drugs that you take on a routine basis.
What to Expect During Your Exam
When you arrive for your exam, you will be asked to change into a gown. You may also be asked to remove jewelry. Invision Sally Jobe provides secure lockers for your personal items during your exam.
A technologist will ask you a few questions pertaining to the exam and position you on the scanner table. You will be lying on your back for the scan and small stickers will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate. You will be required to hold your breath for about 30 seconds. Your visit will last about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Recovering from Your Exam
You can return to your normal activities immediately after your heartscreen CT.
Getting Your Exam Results
A radiologist experienced in the interpretation of heartscreen CT scans will analyze the data and results from your exam and compile a report. This report will be mailed to you and your physician. During the exam, our radiologists and technologists will be happy to answer questions about the exam procedure itself; however, they will not immediately provide you with the results of your exam.
Additional Information
Refer to the following web sites for additional information on coronary artery calcium scoring.
