In today’s society, most everyone knows that it’s important
to take care of your health by exercising and eating a balanced diet.
However, having a healthy lifestyle is only one way to lower risk factors
for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular. Another important
component, is getting the recommended screenings to help find problems
early on, when they may be easier to treat.
Typically, individuals don’t realize they have any heart issues until
a serious incident occurs, such as a heart attack; but a new screening
test now offered at the
Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick Campus is helping to change that. Like the more familiar tests, such as cholesterol,
blood sugar and blood pressure, used to assess risks of future heart problems,
computed tomography (CT) coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing helps reveal
the risk of heart disease, often before other warning signs appear.
“A calcium scan allows the patient’s health care provider to
assess the risk of heart disease based on the test results and develop
a preventative treatment plan to make corrections before it’s too
late,” says
Matthew E. Certain, M.D., interventional cardiologist and vice chief, Department of Medicine, Southeast
Georgia Health System.
A painless test, CT CAC requires a CT scan of the heart while sensors,
called electrodes, are attached to the patient’s chest. The electrodes
record the heartbeat during the exam to show the radiologic technologist
when the heart muscles are relaxed in between heartbeats, ensuring the
clearest images are captured. The screening takes less than 10 minutes
and requires minimal preparation. After the scan is complete, the patient
is able to go home; their doctor will be able to provide test results
within a few days.
Understanding Calcium Score Results
CT CAC results are usually given as an Agaston score. This score represents
the level and density of the calcium deposits. When there is no calcium
found in the heart, a score of zero is given. The more calcium found,
the higher the score. Depending on the score, the doctor will discuss
probable treatment plans with the patient to decide which strategies should
be implemented. Treatment may include changes to diet and exercise routine,
medication, setting weight-loss goals, or additional testing.
“For a patient who has several risk factors for heart disease, the
test results can help determine the type of treatment plan or medications
to prescribe. It also indicates whether a patient is at lower risk for
heart issues,” explains Certain. “However, calcium scans alone
can’t help prevent a heart attack or stroke. It’s the lifestyle
changes patients make after receiving the results that can generate a
difference.”
Who should have Coronary Artery Calcium Scan
This test is highly recommended for people who are classified into mild
to moderate risk groups, including people who have/are:
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Men aged over 40
- Women aged over 50 or postmenopausal women
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obese or overweight
- High blood lipids (e.g. cholesterol and triglyceride)
- Smokers
A physician referral is required for the CT CAC exam. Patients are responsible
for the $125 exam fee either prior to or at the time of service; insurance
is not accepted. Talk with your doctor to learn more about coronary artery
calcium scoring. To find a physician, call 855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447) or visit
sghs.org.