CT Calcium Scoring

Coronary artery disease, also know as arteriosclerosis is a build up of plaque on the arterial wall slowing the flow of blood to the heart muscle. After a variable amount of time, calcium plaque that a CT Coronary Calcium Scoring exam identifies. The amount of calcium, or lack thereof, is compared to the standard amount for your age and gender.

The CT Coronary Calcium Score, along with other risk factors, helps your physician determine your current risk for heart attack and helps devise a preventative plan for you. Typically, patients are diagnosed with coronary artery disease when they have already shown symptoms (chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath), responded abnormally to stress testing or cardiac angiography. This means the opportunity for prevention is lost and the patient may have already suffered irreversible consequences of a cardiac event. CT Coronary Calcium Scoring can detect coronary arteriosclerosis in its earliest stages. Early detection allows for positive lifestyle changes that will help minimize further progression of coronary artery diseased for preventative treatment and aid.

How do I know if the test is right for me?
This test is most appropriate for asymptomatic men age 55-70 and asymptotic women 40 – 70 who have the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Family History of heart disease
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight by 20% of more
• High-stress lifestyle

How safe is cardiac scoring?
The radiation exposure during the cardiac scoring exam is very minimal and comparable to the radiation received during a conventional x-ray.

To schedule and appointment or to ask any questions call mmpc Cardiovascular Services at 616-974-4567 or toll free at 866-662-6672