Cardiac Ca Scoring

Gift Certificates for Cardiac Calcium Scoring exams are now available, just in time for Valentine's Day. Show that special person in your life how much you care for their health by presenting them with this exam. For your gift certificate call Summit Hospital Imaging Department at (225) 755-4831.

What is Cardiac Calcium Scoring? Cardiac Calcium Scoring is a fast, painless and noninvasive test designed for identifying plaque build-up in the heart. Calcified plaque, known as hardening of the arteries, is a risk factor that can lead to heart disease. As plaque builds, the arteries become narrow thereby hindering the blood flow. The newest CT scanner is an advanced multi-slice technology that captures cross-sectional images of the heart at sub-second rates. This test helps to present an overall picture of your heart health.

The exam is very simple. You will be asked to lie on a table. The technologist will place electrocardiogram leads on your chest so that the CT scanner can precisely measure the beating of your heart. A picture of your heart beating will be taken while you hold your breath. There will be no injections, treadmills or preparations such as fasting for the exam. You will be asked to refrain from smoking and to avoid caffeine for 4 hours prior to the exam. Total time for the exam is less than 10 minutes.

These heart images allow our radiologists to determine the amount of coronary calcium present in your heart.

Am I a candidate for CT Cardiac Scoring? Individuals who may be candidates for this exam may have one or more of the following risk factors:

- Family history of heart disease, chronic stress, inactive lifestyle, women over the age of 55 and men over the age of 45, overweight, high cholesterol, smoker, high blood pressure,and diabetes.

Is the exam covered by insurance? Since the exam is considered a screening, without symptoms, insurance does not pay. Summit Hospital believes that prevention is better than cure and therefore offers the exam for only $75.00.

How do I schedule an exam? Scheduling the exam is simple. To schedule an appointment, or to speak with a healthcare professional about Cardiac Calcium Scoring, call the Summit Hospital Imaging Department at (225) 755-4831.