The use of computed tomography (CT) to detect calcifications within the coronary veins of the heart is the basis of the calcium-score screening heart test, often known as a coronary calcium scan. A greater risk of cardiac arrest and substantial narrowing of the coronary arteries is associated with a higher coronary calcium score.
The good news is that you may have your coronary calcium score checked at a wide variety of clinics today. However, you’ll have to look for the best deals and find the clinic and companies that can provide them. The best radiology clinic can help you narrow down your treatment options. However, a great deal more are likely to be available on the market right now.
Who, Exactly, Has To Have These Exams Done?
If you are between the ages of 40 and 70 and have a high risk of developing heart disease but no current symptoms, a calcium scan is indicated. Numerous calcium scoring facilities may guide such topics, and the following features can be utilized to identify those at higher risk and who should have these examinations done.
- Smokers, both former and current
- People that are overweight or obese
- people with a family history of cardiovascular disease
- A family history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- The widespread inactivity of modern society.
- The inclusion of any non-standard factors
- If you’re under 40 and have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, also known as familial hypercholesterolemia, a calcium scan should be on your list of health priorities.
Keep in mind that this test’s accuracy in predicting your risk of a single potentially fatal event, such as a heart attack, is not guaranteed. This is because CT scans are unable to detect all kinds of coronary disease. This, however, is something that must always be remembered.
These Groups Should Never Have A Scan Or Consult A Doctor First
The coronary scan is not recommended at this time if you have had previous therapy for coronary artery disease, have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, or have symptoms suggestive of coronary vascular disease. Discuss with your doctor the various tests available to detect or track the progression of coronary artery disease.
How Can Get You These Images?
You do not need to worry about whether or not you will need to take these examinations. If your cardiologist believes that you could benefit from using one, he or she will write you a prescription for it. The following thing to do is call up the radiology center and schedule an appointment. X-rays are normally what is utilized within CT scanners. This treatment will be successful for pregnant women, even though there are certain downsides to it.
When You Say “Exam,” What Do You Mean?
You’ll have to do one of those medical robes. After that, you’ll be instructed to lie down on a scanning table. Before placing three tiny adhesive electrode patches on your chest, the technician will clean the locations. Men will need a brief chest shave before the electrodes will stick correctly. You’ll have electrodes attached to you, and they will communicate with a machine that records your heart’s electrical activity (an electrocardiograph, or ECG). Your heart’s electrical activity will be monitored and recorded during the test.
What To Expect From The Test?
After the scan, there won’t be any necessary recovery time, so you’ll be able to go right back to your routine. On the other hand, you should probably consult with your primary care physician about the results. Since you now have a comprehensive grasp of these tests, it is in your best interest to seek the counsel of leading specialists in radiology.
