Corporate Wellness

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Cardiac calcium scoring scans are performed on the CT Scanner. The scan is a painless, non-invasive method of examining the coronary arteries to determine the calcium buildup.

Normal CT cardiac calcium scoring cross section picture of the heart LAD-Left Anterior Descending Artery LMA-Left Main Artery LCX-Left Circumflex Artery No calcium present in the above arteries	Abnormal CT cardiac calcium scoring cross section picture of the heart LMA-Left Main Artery LAD-Left Anterior descending artery Extensive calcium plaque in the arteries

What is cardiac calcium scoring?

Cardiac calcium scoring scans are performed on the CT Scanner located in Radiology. The scan in a painless, non-invasive method of examining the coronary arteries to determine the calcium buildup.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and accounts for slightly less than half the deaths in Iowa each year. Heart disease kills 10 times more women each year than breast cancer. Every 60 seconds, someone with no previous warning signs or symptoms suffers a fatal heart attack. These are individuals who seemed perfectly healthy.

Are you at risk?

You may be if:

• You’re a woman over the age of 45 or a man over the age of 40.
• You have a family history of heart disease.
• You have previously been diagnosed with high cholesterol.
• You have high blood pressure
• You have other risk factors including diabetes, being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle or high stress levels in your work or personal life.

What happens during a cardiac calcium scoring scan?

The scan doesn’t require any intensive patient preparation. You will be advised to refrain from caffeine prior to having the test, since caffeine tends to increase the heart rate. You will be given a hospital gown to change into the EKG leads will be attached to you chest area. You will lie on a table and be given some simple breathing instructions to perform during the actual test. The scan usually takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

• Painless and safe. There are no injections required for the scan.
• Simple. No extensive preparation required.
• Quick. Testing usually takes about 15-20 minutes or less.

Testing Result and Treatment

Results will be mailed to the patient and their referring physician within 2-3 business days from the day of the scan. The report will include individualized results and a percentile risk ranking in comparison to other in the same sex and age ranges. If the test shows abnormal or high levels of calcified plaque buildup, the patient will be asked to contact their referring physician for additional follow-up.

Questions and Answers

Does insurance pay for testing?
Generally no. Since patients electing to have the scan are asymptomatic, or not currently showing any symptoms of heart disease, the scan is currently not covered under Medicare and most insurance plans. The cost is $300.

How often do I need testing?

Most people only need one every few years. Patients with one or more risk factors and elevated levels of calcium buildup may want to repeat the scan at regular intervals to monitor calcium levels within the coronary arteries.

If I already have history of cardiac disease, heart surgery or stents, should I have this test done?

No, this test is designed for people that do not have a history of cardiac disease.

Information

CT Department- (563) 244-5652

For more information please contact our community access line at 1-563-244-3539
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