What is a Ultrafast Heart CT Scan?
The Ultrafast CT Scan Screening of the Heart is a quick and simple test which assesses your risk of heart attack by detecting and measuring the amount of calcium build-up in your coronary arteries.
The test allows the radiologist to determine whether a patient has a serious risk of significant narrowing of blood vessels to the heart. More importantly, it allows physicians to find hardened arteries early, allowing treatment with medication and lifestyle changes.
This is a screening that can precede more invasive tests such as a stress test and angiogram. The Ultrafast CT Scan Screening of the Heart is considered to be one of the best available tests to predict the risk of heart attack in apparently healthy people.
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Why should I get an Ultrafast Heart CT Scan?
The CT or CAT scanner acquires approximately 92 images of the heart. The quantity of calcium build-up in your arteries is then determined and you are given a score which falls under a certain category. This information, along with other indicators, can present an overall picture of your heart's health. As a result, you and your physician can select the most appropriate care plan.
The Ultrafast CT Scan Screening of the Heart is the only readily available, non-invasive, and sensitive screening test for coronary artery disease. The test is strongly recommended for patients with significant risk factors such as smoking history, high cholesterol, weight problems, or family history of heart disease.
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"Half of the 600,000 Americans who have heart attacks each year, have no symptoms before hand." -The New York Times - March 28, 1999 - New York Times |
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What is the preparation for an Ultrafast Heart CT Scan?
There are no dyes, no needles, no fasting and no pain. The only preparation required for the Ultrafast Heart CT Scan is for the patient to complete a standard medical history questionnaire at the time of his appointment.
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How long does the procedure take?
The scan takes 15 minutes or less. The scanner acquires a series of x-ray images of your heart while you hold your breath for 23 seconds.
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How long do I have to wait for results?
The radiologist’s report, including your Cardiac Score, will be sent to you in three to four business days.
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What does my cardiac score mean?
- Score 0 (Zero): No identifiable atheroscleriotic plaque (a negative examination). Adherance to general guidelines on diet and exercise are stressed.
- Score 1 to 10: Minimal identifiable plaque. Significant obtrusive coronary disease is unlikely. Recommendations are to follow general guidelines on cardivascular risk reduction.
- Score 11 to 100: Definite but mild plaque. Risk factor modification is recommended, including daily aspirin prophylaxis and strict adherence to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines. Clinical follow-up is necessary.
- Score 101 to 400: Definite, moderate plaque. Risk factor modification is recommended with non-invasive stress testing preparatory to an exercise program. Daily aspirin and use of statin medication to reduce LDL cholesterol <100mg/dL is advised in conjunction with other risk factor modification. Clinical follow-up and further testing such as stress test, nuclear test, cardiac ultrasound or other studies should be considered.
- Score over 400: Significant plaque burden indicating a high likelihood of "significant" coronary stenosis. Agressive risk factor modification is recommended (including aspirin and statin medication) with non-invasive stress testing and possibly angiography.
**Further consultation with a physician is recommended for any total score above 0. Is it painful or uncomfortable?
No. The Ultrafast Screening of the Heart is a simple, non-invasive scan in which you lie on the scanning table for a few minutes. We have not received any complaints of pain or discomfort from patients receiving this screening.
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Are the results kept confidential?
Yes. Patients can elect to keep the results completely confidential. However, it is extremely important to discuss any calcium score above zero with your physician. Your doctor will be able to interpret your score in the context of other important factors, such as age, gender, medical history and other risk factors for heart disease. A copy of your report can be sent to your doctor at your request.
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Why should I go to Radiology Regional for this?
Radiology Regional Center is an experienced and trusted leader in Southwest Florida’s diagnostic healthcare. Our physicians and technologists are skilled in the use of CT technology for both screening and diagnostic purposes. Your scan will be performed on the same CT scanners that local physicians rely on for their patients.
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What is the cost and is it covered by insurance?
The Ultrafast CT Screening of the Heart costs $175. As with most screening tests, your CT scan is not covered by insurance or Medicare at the present time. Payment is due when services are rendered.
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How do I schedule an appointment?
You make schedule an appointment, without a physician’s referral, by calling our Scheduling team at 239.931.6399.
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Where is the Ultrafast Heart CT offered?
More questions? Give us a call.
Call us at 239.931.6399.
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