What Is A Heart Screen?

A Cardiac Calcium Scoring Exam or Heart Screen, is a non-invasive procedure, done on a CT (CAT SCAN) for measuring and reporting coronary artery calcification scores. Calcium deposits do not correspond directly to the percentage of narrowing of the arteries. They do correlate directly to the amount of coronary plaque, and to the risk of future coronary disease. These calcium deposits usually begin to form years before any symptoms develop. Early detection and modification of your personal risk factors, such as smoking and cholesterol intake, can slow the progress of coronary artery disease and potentially impact your risk of having a heart attack.

A low score suggests a low likelihood of coronary artery disease, but does not absolutely exclude the possibility of significant coronary artery narrowing. The results should be discussed with your physician who will take into account other risk factors such as age, gender, family history, diabetes, smoking, or high cholesterol levels.

IS THIS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

At this time, Cardiac Calcium Scoring Exams are not covered by most major health plans. You will need to be prepared to pay for this test at the time of the exam with cash, check or credit card.

The cost for the exam is $325.00.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

One of our CT technologists will help position you comfortably on the CT scanner bed. From an adjacent room that offers a clear view of you and the procedure, the technologist will conduct and monitor the scan. The table will be moved through the donut-shaped scanner, about an inch at a time. The scan should take less than 15 minutes. The scan itself is painless, fast and risk-free. You will need to lie still while the images are captured to assure clear image quality. You will have to hold your breath for a number of seconds, while the scanner obtains the necessary images of your heart. The amount of radiation you'll be exposed to is no more than a regular x-ray.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I'M FINISHED?

The technologist, using a sophisticated computer, generates the images of your heart and presents them to one of our Board-Certified Radiologists for interpretation. A report summarizing your results will be sent to you within 24 hours. A copy of your results will also be sent to your treating physician, so that you can follow up with him/her on the proper course of treatment.

WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PROCEDURE?

Our staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We are here for you, so please don't hesitate to ask! Call us at (845) 634-9729 ext. 2502 for any questions.

The earlier a disease is detected, the better your quality of life, the milder the treatments, the better your odds of surviving.