Coronary artery disease, also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when the
arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart become clogged with
plaque. The plaque build-up slows the flow of blood to the heart muscle
causing ischemia and increasing the chance of fatal and non-fatal heart
failure.
CT cardiac scoring is the best noninvasive test for quantifying
coronary artery calcium content.
The procedure begins with a fast, convenient and painless computed
tomography (CT) exam. CT, more commonly known as CAT scanning, is the
process of making an x-ray image of a very small section of your body.
During CT scanning, an x-ray beam passes through the body and is recorded
by electronic detectors. These detectors send the information to a
computer where it is translated into an image.
During your exam, you will be attached to a cardiac monitor and then
you will simply lie on the CT couch as it slowly moves into the
donut-shaped gantry. The scanner then takes an image or picture of your
beating heart while you hold your breath for approximately 20 seconds. The
procedure requires no injections, treadmills or preparation such as
fasting.
The information acquired during your CT exam is then processed with
HeartBeat-CS, a cardiac scoring software package that evaluates and
quantifies the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. The results
will be sent to you and your doctor for further consultation.
This test requires an order from your primary care provider.
Facts About Heart Disease
Over 33% of all Americans who have a heart attack each year, show no
symptoms before hand.
85% of sudden heart attacks may be prevented if the conditions that lead
to the attack are diagnosed early enough to prescribe treatment to correct
the problems.
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in most
industrialized nations.
Coronary artery disease claims more lives than lung, colon, prostate and
breast cancer combined.
Cardiac scoring is at least ten times more powerful a predictor of
coronary artery disease episodes than cholesterol screening.
45% of all heart attacks occur in people under the age of 65.
44% of women who have heart attacks, die within a year after the attack.
Women are 10 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast
cancer.
For additional information about Diagnostic Imaging
services at Lourdes, call 798-5225.