A Cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location, and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries – the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart wall. It’s an excellent predictor of whether someone may be heading toward a future heart event.

While an adverse cardiac event can occur in anyone, even those who lead healthy lifestyles, those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and who smoke are at a significantly higher risk. This simple, non-invasive scan can provide an opportunity for interventions that can literally save your life or the life of someone you know and care for.

In short, a Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring can quickly detect the amount of calcification in your arteries and calculates your risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Those at highest risk of Coronary Artery Disease are those who have:

• abnormally high blood cholesterol levels
• a family history of heart disease
• diabetes
• high-blood pressure
• cigarette smoking
• being overweight or obese
• being physically inactive

The entire procedure, including the actual CT scanning, is usually completed within 10 to 20 minutes. During the scan, you will be asked to hold your breath for a period of 20 to 30 seconds while the images are recorded. When the exam is complete, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the images are high enough quality for the best interpretation. After the exam, you can return to your normal activities – it’s that easy!

Avoid caffeine and smoking for 4 hours prior to the scan. No other special preparation is necessary. You may even continue to take your usual medications.

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.

HMG is the only diagnostic center that has the scan read by BOTH a cardiologist and a radiologist.

This means that while the cardiologist is looking at details of your heart, a radiologist is doing an “over-read,” or looking at other areas within the scan, for any possible incidental findings.

We will send your results directly to you or to your primary care provider.

A negative cardiac CT scan shows no calcification within the coronary arteries. This suggests that CAD is minimal and that the chance of having a heart attack over the next two to five years is very low.

A positive test means that CAD is present, regardless of whether or not the patient is experiencing any symptoms. The amount of calcification – expressed as the calcium score – may help to predict the likelihood of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) in the coming years.

No. A physician referral is not required to have your exam completed. If you would like your results to be sent to your primary care physician, we are happy to send them a copy for their records. Just let us know.

Yes! The Cardiac CT scan makes a great gift for someone you care about. When you make your purchase online, you will be able to email the card directly to them and they will have all the instructions needed on how to schedule the appointment and what to expect.