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Cardiac Calcium Scoring Available at Pella Regional
Date: January 25, 2010
PELLA, Iowa— The month of February is American heart month, the perfect opportunity to schedule a Cardiac Calcium Scoring exam. The Harmeling Imaging Center at Pella Regional Health Center offers cardiac calcium scoring for $99. To schedule an appointment, call 641-628-6620.
Coronary arteries supply oxygen rich blood to the heart. Calcium in the coronary arteries is a sign of coronary artery disease. Cardiac Calcium Scoring uses an X-ray test called Computed Tomography (CT) to check for the buildup of calcium on the walls of the arteries of the heart (atherosclerosis). This test is used to:
- Evaluate for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Determine the likelihood for obstructive coronary disease
- Evaluate the risk of a heart event
This test may be recommended for men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older who have a higher chance of heart disease. Younger adults may be tested if they have a very strong family history of heart disease.
How It Is Done
A CT scan takes images of the heart in thin sections. A computer analyzes the images and measures calcium deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries. The radiologist interprets the images and reports the findings. A report is then sent to the patient’s primary care provider. A printed copy of the score with four to six images is mailed to the patient.
There is no preparation needed for the test, however, to maintain a steady and reduced heart rate, staff recommends no caffeine or smoking 4 hours prior to the examination.
“This test is quick and painless. It takes less than 15 minutes,” says Chalyne Kephart, RT (R) (CT), CT technologist in the Harmeling Imaging Center at Pella Regional Health Center. “Plus, Pella Regional’s price is comparable to larger hospitals in the area that also provide this test.”
Scoring
If a patient has a high Cardiac Calcium Score, further testing may be needed to evaluate if there is coronary artery stenosis (narrowing) and check for possible heart damage due to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle, especially if there are other risk factors for CAD.
Pella Regional Health Center is a not-for-profit provider of health care that is accredited by The Joint Commission. Its mission is to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion. Information on Pella Regional Health Center and its clinics is available by calling Public Relations at 641-621-2358 or visiting the website, www.pellahealth.org.
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