“I am so happy I had the calcium score test done. Now I know what level of risk I’m at for having a heart attack and I can take steps to become healthier.” – Pat L., Prescott
Calcium Scoring is a test that helps health care providers determine a person’s degree of coronary artery disease.
By using CT scan imaging, radiologists can see how much calcium build-up is inside the plaque that is within the walls of the arteries of the heart. The calcium is what causes the hardening of the arteries over time.
Those who are at higher risk of coronary artery disease are:
- Men over the age of 45
- Women over the age of 55
- Those who have smoked
- Those who have diabetes
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Those with low HDL cholesterol
- Those with high total cholesterol
- Those who are overweight
- Those who are inactive
Prescott Medical Imaging performs this test and Matthew Dicker, M.D., interprets the results for the Quad Cities area.
Dr. Dicker said, “This is a very important, non-invasive way of predicting the risk for heart attack. Although coronary artery angiogram is the gold standard for determining if any artery blockages are present, CT Calcium Scoring is an excellent screening measurement to see where a person falls on a risk continuum.”
After CT scan testing is finished, the technologist circles any areas on the images where the artery has calcifications. The total amount of calcification overall places the patient into a category of Very Low, Low, Moderately High and High.
On the low end, the recommendations are to continue practicing preventive healthy lifestyle activities and to see your physician regularly. When you are at low to moderate risk, recommendations may include taking a coated baby aspirin daily, diabetes management if necessary, discontinuing smoking, controlling weight and/or increasing exercise. Once you are at a moderately high risk for heart attack, in addition to those lifestyle management activities already mentioned, lowering your cholesterol, fat and blood pressure is recommended, as well as possible cardiac stress testing and a consultation with a cardiologist.
Calcium scoring testing isn’t generally covered by insurance companies, which mean patients generally cover the cost out of pocket.
“Although the cost may seem high, the results may be the jump start a patient needs to prompt a discussion with their doctor and change to a heart healthy lifestyle,” said Dicker.
This test does not replace consultation with a cardiologist or a discussion of symptoms with your primary care provider. QCBN
By Kristen Dicker
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a calcium scoring test, please contact Prescott Medical Imaging at 928-771-7577.