$49 Heart Scan
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Up to 25% of patients with significant coronary artery disease don't have any symptoms of heart problems.
Screening for coronary artery calcification is a proven tool to identify patients without symptoms who are at high risk for major heart problems. With the HeartScan we can measure the buildup of calcium and plaque inside your arteries.
However, not all calcium deposits in the coronary arteries mean that there is a blockage, and not all blocked arteries contain calcium. And the earliest form of coronary artery disease, soft plaque, cannot be detected by cardiac calcium scoring (CT).
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HeartScan Cardiac Calcium Scoring
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Helps identify your risk for heart disease
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Is painless, fast and safe
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Requires no injections or preparations on your part
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Dr. Nathan Millikan, a board certified cardiologist with Henry County Cardiology, recommends that men over 35 and women over 40 with any one of the following risk factors have a Cardiac Calcium Scoring exam.
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Family history of heart disease
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History of smoking
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Overweight
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Sedentary lifestyle
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High stress levels
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Vascular disease
A heart scan is not recommended for those who have had a cardiac catheterization, have known heart disease or women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant.
Scheduling a Heart Scan
You do not need a physician referral to schedule your HeartScan at Henry County Hospital.
Call Central Scheduling at 521.1415 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday-Friday. HeartScan appointments are available from 7:30 am-8 pm Monday-Friday.
Cost
Patients undergoing the exam will need to pay the $49 prior to the test either by debit or credit card or cash if the exam is between 8 am and 5 pm when the Cashier's office is open. Most major health plans consider this test a NON-covered service. It is up to the individual to file a claim with their insurance carrier.
Exam Is Painless and Noninvasive
The cardiac calcium-scoring is a screening exam that is painless and noninvasive. It doesn't involve injections or require patient preparation.
During the exam,you will be asked to lie down on the scanning table, and small EKG patches will be applied to your chest. The table will slowly move while the high-speed CT scanner takes pictures of your heart.
You will be asked to hold your breath for approximately 15 seconds while the images are being recorded. The entire test usually takes about 15 minutes.
Test Results
Your final results will be mailed to your home after a review by a cardiologist and a radiologist.If your Cardiac Calcium Score is over 100 it is extremely important that you make an appointment to see your physician.
