Coronary Calcium Screening CT
Coronary Calcium Screening CT is a non-invasive imaging procedure that identifies early calcification or plaque buildup in the arteries. Early calcium or plaque deposits clogging the heart’s blood vessels are usually symptom free and do not have any warning signs, but may put a person at risk for heart attack. Coronary Calcium Screening CT takes precise images of the heart as it pumps, detecting vessel abnormalities without invasive procedures. Persons undergoing Coronary Calcium Screening CT receive minimal exposure to low-dose radiation.
One of the greatest advantages of Coronary Calcium Screening CT is early disease detection in those who are well but possibly at risk for coronary artery disease. Coronary Calcium Screening is recommended for adults who are concerned about their risk factors for coronary disease. Some of the risks for coronary artery disease are:
—Family history of heart disease
—High cholesterol
—High blood pressure
—Obesity
—Sedentary life style
—Smoking
—Diabetes
—Age over 50
Non candidates for the coronary calcium screening: A pacemaker will cause artifacts making it difficult to score the images.
A high-speed scanner, called a Multidetector CT, is used to capture many images of the heart. The scanner is synchronized with the patient’s heartbeat via an electrocardiogram (EKG) device. A computer program then scores the images for the presence and degree of calcification within the coronary arteries. The examination is simple, safe and painless (no needles) and there are no diet restrictions. The scan itself takes only a about ten minutes.
Plan enough time for patient registration in the California Campus lobby prior to proceeding to the radiology department. When you arrive for your test you be asked to complete a questionnaire. Once completed, a radiologic technologist will escort you to the scanning room. The technologist will place EKG leads on your chest enableing the scanner to take dozens of images during those fractions of a second between beats, when your heart is still.
Avoid caffeine, antihistamines, and chewing nicotine gum prior to your test, as they can elevate your heart rate, making it more difficult to obtain a high quality scan. No exercise just prior to exam, as it can also elevate your heart rate, making it more difficult to obtain a high quality scan.
A computer program analyzes the extent of calcified coronary plaque in the entire coronary system. A board certified radiologist verifies this score. The higher your score, the greater your risk for heart disease in the future. A “zero” score is considered negative but does not rule out the possibility of the presence of “soft” noncalcified plaque. We will fax a report of the results to your ordering physician and you will receive the results on CD Rom along with a written report. Your Primary Care Physician can consult with you with regards to recommendations for medical and/or lifestyle treatments.
The Coronary Calcium Screening CT is offered at California Pacific’s California Campus at 3700 California Street, San Francisco. Stop in outpatient registration prior to your test. Once your registration is complete you will be directed to the Department of Radiology located on the ground floor of the main hospital building to the left of the main corridor.
The Coronary Calcium Screening is not currently covered under most insurance plans. Therefore, patients are responsible for all costs. Please pay for services at the time of registration. The registration office can only accept payment for services by major credit or debit cards and exact cash. (American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard)
Ask your Primary Care Physician if you are a candidate for this screening. If so, he or she can order the test. You or your physician’s office can schedule this exam by calling (415) 600-0800. Presently we are offering this service on Saturdays for your convenience.