Calcium scoring
An inside look pinpoints heart disease risk

A patient profile that indicates a risk for heart disease often includes a combination of factors—advanced age, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, being overweight and physical inactivity. More and more people recognize these risk factors and many take steps to lower their risk.

Some people, however, don’t appear to be candidates for heart disease but are on the borderline. A comprehensive evaluation by Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s team of professionals can identify people who may not have visible symptoms but are still at risk. In addition to taking a complete family history and lifestyle assessment, Deborah’s doctors check cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and heart rate.

A simple test
The latest tool providing a glimpse into the potential for heart disease is a calcium scoring exam, done with a special computed tomography (CT) scanner. This simple test reveals the amount of calcification in the arteries, which can indicate atherosclerosis and lead to blockages. Calcium scoring alone is not a clear predictor of heart disease but, used in combination with a full cardiac screening, it provides a valuable picture for potential risk.

The actual CT scan is very simple and requires no dye injection. Your physician reviews the images and the calcification level is given a score.

A low score may indicate the beginnings of progressive atherosclerosis, and lifestyle modifications such as better diet, exercise and controlling blood pressure will help stave off blockages in the coronary arteries. A score greater than 100 may point to more severe atherosclerosis. Additional studies, such as a stress test, can determine the blockages’ severity and how they should be treated.

For a full cardiac picture, the Deborah team is always on the leading edge of new technology.

Learn more!
If you’d like more information about calcium scoring exams, call 1-800-555-1990.