Livonia Radiology Group :: Experienced specialized Quality Services to our patients

Livonia Radiology Group
Experienced specialized Quality Services to our patients

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Cardiac Calcium Scoring

What's Your Cardiac Score?
A revolutionary advance in detecting heart disease.

Facts about heart disease:

58 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.

Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.

More Americans die of heart disease, than all types of cancer combined.

At least 250,000 people a year die of a heart attack within one hour of the onset of symptoms and before they reach a hospital.

12 million people alive today have a history of heart attack, chest pain or both.

American Heart Association

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

Age High blood pressure

Family history of heart disease High stress levels

High cholesterol Sedentary lifestyle

Smoking Diabetes

The Cardiac Scoring test is most appropriate for men, ages 35-70, and women, ages 40-70 who have any of the following:

Family history of heart disease

Smoking

Diabetes

High Cholesterol

High Blood Pressure

Overweight

Cardiac Scoring is not recommended for people with any of the following factors:

Pregnant

Known Coronary artery disease

Resting heart rate above 90-95 beats per minute

Pacemaker or stent

What causes heart disease?

The primary cause of heart disease is the build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries of the heart. This build-up can cause the arteries to narrow. Plaque can also break away from the artery walls and cause a blockage. In both instances the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and oxygen-thus a heart attack can occur.

What is cardiac scoring?

Cardiac scoring is a revolutionary, pain-free, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure requiring less than 10 minutes. Using CT imaging with sub-second scanning capability, the equipment takes 70-90 images of your coronary arteries without any injections, needles or removal of your clothing. The amount of calcium or plaque detected in your coronary arteries is used to establish your cardiac score.

What does the procedure involve?

First, you complete a brief risk factor questionnaire. Next, you lie down on the imaging table while a CT technologist places a few EKG leads on you. You are then asked to hold your breath while the images are taken. That's it. You can return to your regular routine.

A board certified radiologist, using high tech software, calculates your cardiac score based on the images taken. He or she provides an evaluation of the results within 48 hours.

Is cardiac scoring safe?

The radiation exposure during cardiac scoring is very minimal (comparable to the radiation received during a chest x-ray). No intravenous injections or needles are required.

Not only is it safe, but it is also simple. In most cases (unless there are certain types of buttons or bra metal involved),, patients may keep their shirt or blouse on during the procedure.

What can my cardiac score tell me and my doctor?

Subtle early warning signs of heart disease can be detected. Cardiac scoring is the latest diagnostic tool to detect plaque in the coronary arteries. With this information, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment, including diet and lifestyle changes, medication and/or further testing.

Is coronary artery disease treatable?

Yes, the plaque build-up process can be slowed, stabilized and reversed, in some cases, through aggressive lifestyle modification and/or through medication therapies under the guidance of your physician.

Calcification in the left coronary artery

What are the general recommendations for interpretation of calcium scores?

Calcium Score	Implications	Risk of Coronary Artery Disease	Recommendations
0	No identifiable atherosclerotic plaque	Very Unlikely	-Healthy Diet (low in saturated fat and cholesterol) -Stop Smoking -Maintain recommended weight
1-10	Minimal identifiable atherosclerotic plaque	Unlikely	All recommendations above PLUS: -Tight control of Diabetes and Hypertension -Consider use of Cholestrol lowering drugs in cases of High Cholestrol
11-100	Mild identifiable atherosclerotic plaque	Mild or Minimal coronary stenosis	All recommendations above PLUS: -Aspirin Use -Use of Cholesterol lowering drugs in cases of high Cholesterol
101-400	Moderate identifiable atherosclerotic plaque	Moderate Likelihood of significant stenosis	All recommendations above PLUS: -Exercise program -Use of Cholestrol lowering drugs in cases of high or borderline Cholestrol -Exercise test to rule out obstructive disease
401 or Higher	Extensive identifiable atherosclerotic plaque	High likelihood of significant disease	ALL recommendations above PLUS: -Consider angiogram for symptomatic patients or those in high-risk occupations